The Nepal Premier League match between Lumbini Lions and Chitwan Rhinos, due at 12:30 pm on Saturday, was called off because the waterlogged Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur could not be made playable. Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) secretary Paras Khadka confirmed the decision, and each team was awarded one point. The evening match, Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings, has not been called off.

Khadka said the ground was soaked by rain that has fallen since Thursday night. Onlinekhabar English reported that water had pooled on the field despite the covers, which could not be removed to start pitch preparation while rain continued. CAN vice president Roshan Singh said officials had been trying to drain the water since morning. He said water had entered the ground from outside and that drainage had been blocked during construction work.

The Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings match is due at 5:00, as it was delayed at the the last check. 

The NPL has no reserve days. A match needs at least five overs per side to produce a result. If no play is possible, each team gets one point. That also applies to the evening match. 

What the washout does to the points table. Lumbini beat the Sudurpaschim Royals by seven wickets, and Chitwan beat the Biratnagar Kings by eight runs in their openers. Both stay unbeaten but miss the chance of a second win. Karnali Yaks lead with four points from two wins. 

Next fixtures are taken from the match listing on NPLT20League.com. The table is the editor’s calculation from the published points rule, not an official standing. Sudurpaschim (two points from two matches) and Biratnagar (none from two) are waiting on the evening match.

It is the first NPL league match to end without a result in the tournament’s three seasons. The final league tables for 2024 and 2025 show no “no result” matches for any team. 

Tickets. eSewa’s published terms say refunds are available only if a match is cancelled or abandoned before a single ball is bowled in any match at the stadium that day. CAN treasurer Padam Bahadur Khadka said arranging for ticket holders to watch another match, or refunding them, was under discussion. If the evening match is played, how those terms apply to 12:30 pm ticket holders is unclear. No final ticket decision had been published when this was written. See NPL season tickets. 

This article will be updated with the toss and result of the second match. The full NPL 2026 schedule has the remaining fixtures.