Advertising Board Warns CAN Over Unauthorized Ads in Nepal Premier League

The Advertising Board has penalized two companies for unauthorized advertisements linked to online gambling and warned the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) for promoting such ads during the inaugural Nepal Premier League (NPL).

The Board decided to penalize Brand Digital Logic Pvt. Ltd., a partner company of CAN, and the Nepali branch of India’s TCM Sports and Marketing Pvt. Ltd. Both companies have been fined Rs 10,000 each and barred from carrying out any advertising-related activities for three months, according to a decision made public on Monday.

The decision followed complaints that NPL matches were broadcast on Star Sports through the foreign company Twenty First Century Media, carrying ads for betting platforms such as 1xBet, Wolf-777, and DafaNews. Advertisements were also displayed on players’ jerseys, on the ground, and allegedly linked with betting activities during the matches.

The Board accused CAN of ignoring its multiple letters seeking clarification during the investigation. In its latest reply on August 11, CAN stated it could not respond due to workload, but the Board deemed the explanation unsatisfactory, said the Board’s CEO Devi Pandey.

The Board stated that, under the Advertisement (Regulation) Act and Rules, ignoring its directives could result in future bans on advertising or promotional activities. It also reminded CAN and stakeholders not to promote advertisements that violate prevailing laws.

In the case of Brand Digital Logic and TCM, the Board concluded that the agencies were operating without proper registration and had engaged in advertising in violation of existing laws. As a result, both companies were fined and restricted from publishing, broadcasting, or handling advertisements for three months, during which time they will also be ineligible for registration with the Board.

The inaugural edition of the Nepal Premier League was held from November 30 to December 21, 2024. Meanwhile, CAN Secretary Paras Khadka has publicly argued that surrogate advertising should be allowed for the sake of cricket’s development.