News
CAN President Hopeful of ICC Approval for NPL as Official Confirmation Still Waited
October 11, 2026
Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) president Chatur Bahadur Chand is hopeful that the Nepal Premier League will get broader approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC) before its third season begins. He spoke during a visit to the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Chand said CAN has received positive verbal assurances from the ICC. However, the formal written approval is still pending. This approval would allow more currently active players from Test-playing countries to take part in the tournament.
Franchises are already in touch with possible overseas players. They can move quickly to finalize signings once the official approval arrives. Chand did not give a date for the decision or name any extra players whose participation has been confirmed.
The delay means teams must wait for clear permission before they can fully announce more overseas players. Some high-profile names, including David Warner, Shakib Al Hasan, and Sikandar Raza, have already been linked to teams, but further signings depend on the ICC’s formal nod.
On the Decision Review System (DRS), Chand said the NPL committee and franchise owners have discussed introducing the technology on a trial basis. A final decision will come after more talks between the parties. Nothing has been confirmed yet.
Ground preparations at the TU Cricket Ground have faced some delays because of rain, especially work outside the playing area. Chand said he is confident the arrangements will be finished on time. Extra workers can be brought in if needed. The work includes facilities for players and spectators, plus maintenance of the pitch and outfield.
Organizers are also working to fix problems from previous seasons. Chand noted that better facilities and any possible use of review technology will increase costs, even if sponsorship income rises.
The third season of the NPL runs from 26 October to 21 November 2026 at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The opening match is Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals on 26 October. With the tournament less than three weeks away, the main priorities are completing the ground work and getting clear answers on both the ICC approval and any DRS trial.
Teams are expected to announce remaining overseas players once the formal approval comes through. CAN has said it will share the news publicly when the written confirmation arrives. Further discussions will decide whether DRS is used this season.
Chand said CAN has received positive verbal assurances from the ICC. However, the formal written approval is still pending. This approval would allow more currently active players from Test-playing countries to take part in the tournament.
Franchises are already in touch with possible overseas players. They can move quickly to finalize signings once the official approval arrives. Chand did not give a date for the decision or name any extra players whose participation has been confirmed.
The delay means teams must wait for clear permission before they can fully announce more overseas players. Some high-profile names, including David Warner, Shakib Al Hasan, and Sikandar Raza, have already been linked to teams, but further signings depend on the ICC’s formal nod.
On the Decision Review System (DRS), Chand said the NPL committee and franchise owners have discussed introducing the technology on a trial basis. A final decision will come after more talks between the parties. Nothing has been confirmed yet.
Ground preparations at the TU Cricket Ground have faced some delays because of rain, especially work outside the playing area. Chand said he is confident the arrangements will be finished on time. Extra workers can be brought in if needed. The work includes facilities for players and spectators, plus maintenance of the pitch and outfield.
Organizers are also working to fix problems from previous seasons. Chand noted that better facilities and any possible use of review technology will increase costs, even if sponsorship income rises.
The third season of the NPL runs from 26 October to 21 November 2026 at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The opening match is Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals on 26 October. With the tournament less than three weeks away, the main priorities are completing the ground work and getting clear answers on both the ICC approval and any DRS trial.
Teams are expected to announce remaining overseas players once the formal approval comes through. CAN has said it will share the news publicly when the written confirmation arrives. Further discussions will decide whether DRS is used this season.
NPL T20 Team
Written by the NPL T20 Team — cricket writers and editors covering the Nepal Premier League 2026. We share match reports, player profiles, points table updates, venue guides, and fantasy tips, verified through official and local sources.