Nabin Maharjan can’t wait for the Nepal Premier League (NPL) to begin.
But the sight of national and international cricketers competing in the largest franchise cricket tournament in the history of Nepal is not the only thing Maharjan is excited about. He believes the NPL will also popularise Kirtipur across the globe and boost the local business.
Maharjan, who runs a retail shop, believes the tournament will reinvigorate the businesses around the TU premises, at least for three weeks.
“Street vendors will also find opportunities around the ground, as there are limited shops in the area,” said Maharjan. “Owners of eateries, especially those operating in rented spaces, could capitalize by relocating the services closer to the cricket ground.”
With a few days remaining for the tournament, dubbed as “the festival of the Himalayas”, to commence, Kirtipur locals are excited that the tournament will provide a much needed boost to the local economy.
All the matches from November 30 to December 21 will be held at the Tribhuvan University (TU) Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Preparations are ongoing to hold the tournament at a grand scale, according to Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the organisers.
Read: Stage Set for Nepal Premier League to Begin on Saturday
CAN Secretary Paras Khadka told NBA in a recent interview that the estimated expenditure for the tournament is around Rs 600 million.
Local businesses are hopeful that the influx of cricket fans will stimulate economic activity in Kirtipur, particularly through increased demand for food, beverages, and services around the cricket ground.
CAN's Spokesperson Chhumbi Lama is confident that NPL would have a significant positive impact on various sectors.
“The tournament is not only expected to benefit CAN and the players but also to local businesses and the economy at large,” said Lama. “Besides boosting Kirtipur’s local businesses, it will contribute to popularise and preserve its rich Newa culture and heritage, and promote tourism.”
“The exposure Kirtipur is going to have could have lasting benefits for the town,” Lama added.
The NPL features eight teams: Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Janakpur Bolts, Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, and Sudurpaschim Royals.
According to CAN, a team that reaches the final will play 10 matches in total—7 league matches, 3 playoffs and the final. The estimated cost of organising each match is up to Rs 13 million.
Subindra Maharjan, Ward Chair of Kirtipur Municipality-3, acknowledged the economic opportunities the NPL could bring but also expressed concerns over the need to leverage the occasion for the long-term benefits for local residents.
“While businesses near the ground will undoubtedly see some economic benefits, the local community at the historical town of Kirtipur, which is far from the ground, might not enjoy the benefit,” said Maharjan. “However, Maharjan emphasized the long-term value of the event in promoting the Newa culture and local tourist attractions. The global exposure this tournament will provide to Kirtipur is more significant than the immediate economic gains.”
The NPL is set to follow the footsteps of other T20 leagues, such as India’s IPL, which have proven financially lucrative for cricket boards, players and local businesses.
Cricket boards Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan have been organizing their own T20 franchise leagues.
Though Everest Premier League (EPL), Dhangadhi Premier League (DPL), and Pokhara Premier League (PPL) have been held in Nepal, the NPL will exceed them in grandeur.
Kirtipur’s public transport operators are also elated by the league.
“We view the NPL as an important opportunity to boost our services,” Krishna Koju, chairman of one of the transport operators’ in the area, told NBA. “We have seen the footfalls surge at TU during international matches. We have started preparations accordingly.”
While three microbuses depart from Kirtipur every minute, Koju informed that they plan to increase the frequency to eight microbuses.
“The transport services on the Kirtipur-Ratnapark and Kirtipur-Lagankhel routes, managed by two committees operating a fleet of 150 buses, will be adjusted to accommodate the anticipated surge in visitors during the tournament,” Koju added.
