How to Watch NPL 2026
TV channels, streaming apps, and the full fixture list for eight franchises battling it out at one floodlit ground in Kirtipur.
The Nepal Premier League SEASON 3 2026 returns for another action-packed edition, running from November 17 to December 13, 2026. Eight franchises, a strong core of Nepali talent, and a handful of international recruits will compete for the title at one central venue in Kirtipur. Here's your complete guide to watching every match, wherever you are.
NPL 2026 at a Glance
| Tournament | Nepal Premier League 2026 (Season 3) |
| Dates | November 17 – December 13, 2026 |
| Teams | 8 |
| Matches | 32 league matches + playoffs |
| Venue | TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
| Host City | Kathmandu |
| TV Broadcaster | Star Sports |
| Streaming Partners | FanCode (India), DishHome Go (Nepal) |
| Defending Champions | Lumbini Lions (2025) |
The Eight Teams and Their Captains
| Franchise | Captain |
|---|---|
| Biratnagar Kings | Sandeep Lamichhane |
| Chitwan Rhinos | Kushal Malla |
| Janakpur Bolts | Anil Sah |
| Karnali Yaks | Sompal Kami |
| Kathmandu Gorkhas | Karan KC |
| Lumbini Lions | Rohit Paudel |
| Pokhara Avengers | Kushal Bhurtel |
| Sudurpaschim Royals | Dipendra Singh Airee |
Biratnagar Kings have added international depth by signing South African veteran Faf du Plessis. Defending champions Lumbini Lions will look to go back-to-back after edging out Sudurpaschim Royals — runners-up in both of the last two finals — in the 2025 title decider.
Broadcast Rights: Who Owns What
The Cricket Association of Nepal holds a multi-year broadcast partnership that covers the league's television and digital rights. Star Sports carries the linear TV rights across South Asia, while DishHome holds the over-the-top (streaming) rights within Nepal. In India, those streaming rights are sub-licensed to FanCode.
Official match highlights are typically uploaded daily to the league's verified social channels once live coverage wraps up; no independent radio commentary has been confirmed for this edition.
TV Channels & Streaming Apps by Country
| Country | TV Channel | Live Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | Star Sports Nepal | DishHome Go, Star Sports App |
| India | Star Sports Select 1 (HD) | FanCode |
| Other countries | Check local broadcaster announcements | Official streaming partner, if available |
How to Watch NPL 2026 in India
Every match streams live on Star Sports Select 1 in HD, with the FanCode app offering mobile and smart TV coverage. FanCode is running match and season passes for this edition, with no free trial currently on offer, so it's worth locking in a pass ahead of the opening game.
How to Watch NPL 2026 in Nepal
Nepali audiences can watch on Star Sports Nepal and Dish Home Action Sports, or stream through the DishHome Go and Star Sports apps in HD.
How to Watch NPL 2026 Outside Nepal and India
If you're following from the Nepali diaspora or anywhere else, check whether FanCode is available in your region first—it has expanded availability in past seasons. If it isn't, watch for an official regional broadcast partner announced closer to the tournament. Steer clear of unofficial streaming sites; they're frequently low-quality, unreliable, and unauthorized.
How to Watch NPL 2026 on Mobile
Download the FanCode app (India) or DishHome Go app (Nepal) from your device's app store, sign in, and purchase a pass if required. Both apps support live streaming, ball-by-ball scores, and highlights on Android and iOS.
Match Timings Around the World
Matches kick off at 11:15 AM or 4:00 PM Nepal Time (NPT, UTC+5:45). Here's how that translates for fans watching from elsewhere:
| Country | Morning Match (NPT 11:15 AM) | Evening Match (NPT 4:00 PM) |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | 11:15 AM | 4:00 PM |
| India | 11:00 AM | 3:45 PM |
| UAE | 9:30 AM | 2:15 PM |
| Pakistan | 10:30 AM | 3:15 PM |
| UK | 5:30 AM | 10:15 AM |
(UK times reflect GMT, since the tournament falls after British clocks move back from BST in late October.)
The Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Every NPL 2026 fixture is being played at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu — the same venue that has hosted the league's finals since its 2024 debut. It seats over 15,000 spectators and offers a pitch that has historically rewarded both bat and ball; the inaugural 2024 final, for instance, saw Sudurpaschim Royals post 184/9 before Janakpur Bolts chased it down with a ball or two to spare, a sign of the surface's batting-friendly but chaseable nature under lights. Playing every match at a single venue also keeps logistics simple for players and gives local fans repeated access to top-level cricket throughout the tournament.
Full Schedule of NPL 2026 (Confirmed Fixtures)
The league stage runs from November 17 to December 7, with playoffs following from December 9 to 13.
| Date | Match | Time (NPT) | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 17, 2026 | Janakpur Bolts vs Kathmandu Gorkhas | 11:15 AM | League |
| Nov 17, 2026 | Chitwan Rhinos vs Karnali Yaks | 4:00 PM | League |
| Nov 18, 2026 | Biratnagar Kings vs Pokhara Avengers | 4:00 PM | League |
| Nov 27, 2026 | Janakpur Bolts vs Pokhara Avengers | 4:00 PM | League |
| Dec 13, 2026 | Final | 3:30 PM | Playoffs |
Tips for a Smooth Viewing Experience
- Confirm your subscription early. Sort out Star Sports, FanCode, or DishHome Go access before November 17.
- Check your connection. A stable internet speed of at least 5 Mbps is recommended for HD streaming.
- Update your apps. Install the latest app version a day or two before matches begin.
- Turn on match alerts. Notifications keep you on top of tosses, chases, and results.
- Follow the community. Fan groups and official social pages add to the live-match experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is NPL 2026 free to watch?
No free official livestream has been confirmed. Highlights will be posted on official social media after each match.
2. Which app streams NPL 2026 live?
FanCode streams matches in India, and DishHome Go streams matches in Nepal.
3. Can I watch NPL 2026 outside Nepal and India?
Check FanCode's availability in your region first; if it's not available, look out for a regional broadcast partner announced ahead of the tournament.
4. Which TV channel broadcasts NPL in India?
Star Sports Select 1 airs every match live in HD.
5. Which broadcaster owns the NPL 2026 TV rights?
Star Sports holds the television rights across South Asia, with DishHome holding the digital/OTT rights in Nepal.
6. Where can I watch NPL highlights?
Official highlights are expected to be uploaded daily to the league's verified social media pages.
7. What time do NPL 2026 matches start?
Matches begin at either 11:15 AM or 4:00 PM Nepal Time.
8. Where is the NPL 2026 final being played?
The final takes place on December 13, 2026, at the TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
9. How many matches are in NPL 2026?
There are 32 league-stage matches, followed by the playoffs.
10. Who are the defending champions of NPL?
Lumbini Lions, who won the 2025 season, enter as defending champions.