KATHMANDU, Oct 31 — With the countdown on for the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), franchise teams are racing to lock in sponsorship deals before the tournament begins on November 17.

Organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the upcoming season will feature eight teams — Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini Lions, Sudurpaschim Royals, and Karnali Yaks. Preparations are now in full swing as teams strengthen their commercial portfolios and finalize logistics ahead of the opening match.

Among the early movers, Karnali Yaks have announced Asian Paints as a co-sponsor for NPL 2025. Team director Grihendra Ghimire said the partnership highlights growing corporate confidence in domestic cricket. The Yaks, semifinalists in the first edition, have also tied up with Hotel Yak & Yeti, Nebico, and Plumber Pipes as hospitality partners.

From Lumbini Province, Lumbini Lions confirmed a deal with 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, who said the collaboration has lifted team morale and eased investment in player development. Paneru added that the initiative will help inspire young cricketers across the region.

In Kathmandu, WorldLink Communications Ltd., Nepal's leading internet service provider, has come on board as the title sponsor of Kathmandu Gorkhas. The signing ceremony was attended by WorldLink Executive Director Manoj Kumar Agrawal and Gorkhas Managing Director Anubhav Swar Sirohiya, who said efforts to attract additional sponsors are ongoing.

Elsewhere, Biratnagar Kings co-owner Suyesh Pyakuryal confirmed that talks with several companies are nearing completion, with official announcements expected next week.

At the league level, the Cricket Association of Nepal continues to expand its own sponsorship lineup. Siddhartha Bank remains the official title sponsor under a five-year deal running through 2029. CAN also signed a new agreement with Golchha Group, making Pulsar the official two-wheeler partner of the tournament.

The partnership, signed by CAN Secretary Paras Khadka and Golchha Group Director Abhimanyu Golchha, will see Pulsar motorcycles awarded to the top run-scorer, leading wicket-taker, and emerging player of the season. Khadka said this year's event will deliver improved infrastructure and a stronger organizational setup, promising fans a more professional tournament experience.

"Pulsar has always been linked with energy and youth," Golchha said during the signing. "Through NPL, we aim to channel that same passion into Nepali cricket."

With sponsorship deals closing fast and final preparations underway, excitement is building across the country for NPL 2025. The league's growing commercial momentum signals another step forward for Nepali cricket on the regional stage. For fixtures, teams, and live updates, visit the NPL 2025 Schedule and Fixtures page.