The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has confirmed the dates for NPL Season 3 of the Nepal Premier League, with the 2026 edition scheduled to run from October 26 to November 21.

The announcement gives the eight franchises several weeks to finalize their preparations before the tournament gets underway. CAN has also confirmed the competition venue, participating teams, format, and other key details for the upcoming campaign.

NPL 2026 to Be Played in Kirtipur

The entire tournament will be staged at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The venue, which has a capacity of around 13,000 spectators, remains the central home of Nepal's top-level cricket.

A total of 32 matches are scheduled during the season. Conditions at Kirtipur can offer something for different types of bowlers, with seam movement often playing a role early in an innings before batting and spin become increasingly important.

Eight Teams Confirmed for NPL Season 3

All eight franchises from the league will take part in the third edition:

• Kathmandu Gurkhas — Karan KC, Captain | Monty Desai, Coach
• Lumbini Lions — Rohit Paudel, Captain | Nandan Phadnis, Coach
• Biratnagar Kings — Sandeep Lamichhane, Captain | Kevin O'Brien, Coach
• Chitwan Rhinos — Kushal Malla, Captain | Kalam Ali, Coach
• Janakpur Bolts — Anil Sah, Captain | Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Coach
• Pokhara Avengers — Kushal Bhurtel, Captain | Rajiv Kumar, Coach
• Karnali Yaks — Sompal Kami, Captain | Gyanendra Malla, Coach
• Sudurpaschim Royals — Dipendra Singh Airee, Captain | Jagat Tamata, Coach

Tournament Format and Prize Money

The league stage will follow a single round-robin format, with the leading teams progressing to the playoffs.

The overall prize purse has been set at NPR 2.01 crore, while the franchises had more than NPR 8.5 crore available through the auction purse.

Who Won the Previous NPL Seasons?

Janakpur Bolts became the first NPL champions in 2024. The following year, Lumbini Lions claimed the title in 2025.

Sudurpaschim Royals have also been among the teams challenging for the championship in previous editions, but they are yet to lift the NPL trophy.

Where to Watch NPL 2026

Television coverage will be available on Star Sports in India and other parts of South Asia, while Kantipur Max TV will broadcast the matches in Nepal.

For online viewers, DishHome GO will provide streaming coverage in Nepal, with FanCode serving viewers in India.

NPL 2026 Schedule and Fixtures

The confirmation of the tournament dates means fans can now look ahead to Season 3, which begins on October 26, 2026.

The full match-by-match fixture list, including dates, start times, and playoff details, will be the next major update from CAN. Ticketing information is also expected to follow as the opening match approaches.

For the complete NPL 2026 schedule, fixtures, results, points table, teams, and latest tournament updates, keep checking this page as new information becomes available.