The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has delayed its response to a request for clarification from the Advertising Board regarding its broadcasting agreement with Indian television channel Star Sports for the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Under Section 6 of the Advertisement (Regulation) Act, 2076, foreign television channels broadcasting in Nepal are required to air a commercial-free (clean feed) transmission. This regulation has been in effect since 2077 BS. In response, the Advertising Board sought confirmation from CAN last Tuesday on whether this legal requirement had been followed.
However, as of the deadline on Tuesday, CAN had yet to provide any response, according to Kumaritara Ghimire, head of the Board’s Monitoring and Evaluation Division.
Ghimire explained that the Board’s inquiry was based on Section 6 of the Advertisement Regulation Act, which mandates that foreign television channels must broadcast without advertisements when transmitting in Nepal. The Board requested CAN clarify whether the legal provisions were met in the agreement with Star Sports.
“We have asked CAN to confirm whether the broadcasting arrangement with Star Sports complies with this legal requirement,” Ghimire stated.
The Advertising Board had instructed CAN to submit a response within seven days, including a copy of any signed purchase agreements or memorandum of understanding regarding the live broadcast arrangement, along with detailed documentation.
Chumbi Lama, a CAN board member, stated that there had been no discussions yet about replying to the Advertising Board’s query. "We have many other preparations to make for the competition," he remarked. "If a response is required, it will be sent."
Lama confirmed that the agreement with Star Sports was made in accordance with the clean feed regulation. “The clean feed law allows for a commercial-free broadcast. Sponsors are not required to display advertisements,” he added.
CAN officials emphasised the importance of the agreement with Star Sports, a major broadcaster of global sporting events like the Indian Premier League, for elevating Nepal’s cricket on the international stage.
Earlier, the Nepal Advertising Association, the National Advertising Association of Nepal, and Media Alliance had accused CAN of violating both the Public Procurement Act and the Sports Act, which are mandatory under Nepal’s law.
In a joint statement issued last Tuesday, the groups declared the agreement to be illegal. Subsequently, the Advertising Board sent a formal letter to CAN.
The NPL matches are set to begin on 1 December 2024, with all games scheduled to take place at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The first edition of the NPL will feature competition among eight teams.
