Sunil KC, a ride-sharing motorcycle service provider in Kirtipur for the past two years, has been busier than ever transporting spectators to and from the Tribhuvan University cricket ground to watch Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket tournament.
"This has generated more income than before," said KC, a second-year bachelor's student in Kathmandu. Previously, he waited for ride orders around hospitals, colleges, hotels, and restaurants. "Now, with the NPL ongoing, I receive a lot of ride requests from Balkhu to Kirtipur," he explained. He noted that many spectators likely travel by public transport up to Balkhu and then opt for ride-sharing services due to limited public transport options in Kirtipur.
Thousands of cricket fans are flocking daily to the Tribhuvan University cricket ground to watch what is being touted as the most expensive domestic tournament organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). The tournament began on November 30 and has significantly boosted the demand for ride-sharing apps like Pathao, InDrive, Tootle, and Jumjum.
Suraksha Hamal, marketing manager at Pathao Nepal, reported a 10-15% increase in rides in Kirtipur compared to regular days, especially on public holidays. "The highest ridership was recorded on the opening day of the NPL and last Saturday around the Tribhuvan University Ground," she said.
Public transport in Kirtipur has also seen increased passenger traffic since the start of the NPL. Krishna Koju, chairman of Baghbhairav Yatayat Pvt. Ltd., noted that the area’s 150 buses and microbuses, operating on routes like Kirtipur-Ratnapark and Kirtipur-Lagankhel, have been running more trips. "Normally, buses carry passengers in eight lots daily, but during the tournament, this has risen to 10 lots," he said, attributing the rise to spectators without private vehicles.
Baghbhairav Yatayat had prepared for this surge by monitoring passenger traffic before the tournament began.
Bijay Tamang, a microbus driver on the Kirtipur-Ratnapark route, shared that passenger numbers have noticeably increased on holidays and during matches featuring popular teams like Sudurpaschim Royals, Karnali Yaks, and Janakpur Bolts.
Social Media Influence on Fan Following
Among the eight competing teams, Sudurpaschim Royals has the largest fan base on social media, with 195,000 followers on Facebook as of Monday evening. Karnali Yaks follows with 87,000 followers, and Janakpur Bolts has 62,000. Despite Pokhara Avengers and Lumbini Lions having 139,000 and 121,000 followers respectively, Janakpur Bolts has emerged as a dominant team, winning all matches except one.
Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan’s participation briefly boosted interest in Team Karnali, although he has since left the tournament as per a prior agreement.
Economic Boost and Tournament Costs
CAN Secretary Paras Khadka revealed that the tournament, running until December 21, is expected to cost around Rs 600 million. This first-of-its-kind event, featuring domestic and international players, has sparked immense audience enthusiasm. Alongside increased spending by teams, the NPL has stimulated local economic activity, including higher demand for public transport and ride-sharing services.
