The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has confirmed that the Nepal Premier League (NPL) will operate under tighter eligibility, anti-corruption, and operational rules aligned with International Cricket Council (ICC) standards. CAN Secretary Paras Khadka outlined the measures at a press conference held on 17 October 2026 at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Under the new framework, every foreign player must secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their national cricket board before participating. The requirement also applies to overseas players who have retired from international cricket. Khadka stated: “Foreign players who have retired from international cricket will need to get a mandatory NOC from the cricket board of their respective country to play in the NPL.”

Players who have taken part in any illegal or unsanctioned cricket tournament in the six months before the NPL begins will be ineligible, in line with ICC regulations. Khadka added that this rule covers tournaments not approved by the ICC or the relevant national board.

Franchises face clear squad limits. Each team may register a minimum of six and a maximum of eight foreign players. In the final playing XI for any match, seven places must go to Nepali players and four to overseas players. These constraints will shape recruitment and on-field balance throughout the competition.

Anti-corruption measures will follow ICC Anti-Corruption Unit protocols. The rules are intended to address match-fixing, spot-fixing, and other irregularities in franchise cricket. CAN has indicated that compliance will be enforced across the tournament.

Khadka also confirmed that preparations to introduce the Decision Review System (DRS) in the NPL have reached an advanced stage. He said formal information would be released by Monday (19 October 2026). In addition, CAN must submit a review report on the competition within 60 days after the third edition concludes.

The changes follow the NPL’s recognition by the ICC. They place greater responsibility on franchises to complete paperwork early, screen overseas recruits for recent unsanctioned activity, and structure their squads around the fixed Nepali-overseas ratio in the XI. Teams that have already identified potential overseas targets will need to prioritize NOC applications and eligibility checks before finalizing contracts.

Separately, CAN will host the ICC Asia Conference in Kathmandu from 19 to 21 November 2026. The event will bring together presidents, secretaries, and chief executive officers of test and associate member boards from the region to discuss cricket development policy in Asia.

The formal DRS announcement is expected shortly. Franchises are now expected to adjust their overseas recruitment plans and compliance processes ahead of the next NPL season.