Franchise Teams Race to Secure Sponsors as Nepal Premier League’s Second Edition Nears

As the start date for the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) draws closer, franchise teams are intensifying efforts to secure sponsors ahead of the tournament’s kickoff on November 17.

To be organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the upcoming NPL will feature eight teams: Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini Lions, Sudurpaschim Royals, and Karnali Yaks. Several teams have already begun signing sponsorship deals.

Karnali Yaks has partnered with Asian Paints as a co-sponsor for the upcoming season. Director of Karnali Yaks Sports Pvt. Ltd. Grihendra Ghimire expressed delight over the collaboration, highlighting the company’s growing engagement with national sports. Karnali, which reached the second qualifier in the first edition, aims to build on its past performance this year. The team has also signed partnership agreements with Hotel Yak & Yeti, Nebico, and Plumber Pipes as hospitality partners.

Representing Lumbini Province, Lumbini Lions have announced Shine Resunga Development Bank as their “Home Bank Partner.” The agreement was signed by the bank’s Deputy CEO Lokraj Paneru and team manager Laxman Dev Acharya. Acharya said the partnership has boosted team morale and made investment in players easier, while Paneru stated that the collaboration aims to promote cricket and encourage athletes at the provincial level.

Meanwhile, leading internet service provider WorldLink Communications Ltd. has become the title sponsor of Kathmandu Gorkhas for the second NPL season. The official agreement was signed between WorldLink Executive Director Manoj Kumar Agrawal and Gorkhas Managing Director Anubhav Swar Sirohiya. A team official shared that efforts to attract additional sponsors are ongoing.

Other franchises are also actively seeking sponsorships. Biratnagar Kings co-owner Suyesh Pyakuryal confirmed that discussions are underway with several companies for both main and associate sponsorships, with an agreement expected next week.

CAN Expands Its Sponsorship Portfolio

As the tournament approaches, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) itself is busy finalizing additional sponsorship deals. Siddhartha Bank remains the league’s title sponsor, having signed a five-year agreement last year to serve in this role from 2024 to 2029.

Recently, CAN inked a new partnership with Golchha Group, naming it the official two-wheeler partner of the NPL. The agreement was signed between CAN Secretary Paras Khadka and Golchha Group Director Abhimanyu Golchha. According to Khadka, the company will award a Pulsar motorcycle to the tournament’s top run-scorer, highest wicket-taker, and emerging player.

Khadka added that the second edition of the NPL will feature improved infrastructure and a well-organized event structure, assuring cricket fans of a high-quality tournament. Financial details of the sponsorship were not disclosed.

Speaking at the signing event, Abhimanyu Golchha said, “Pulsar has always been associated with sports and youthful energy. Through NPL, we aim to inject more enthusiasm and inspiration into Nepali cricket.”

With teams and the organizing body actively securing partnerships, preparations for the second edition of the Nepal Premier League are now in their final phase.