Rain from Cyclone Arnab Could Affect NPL Matches at Kirtipur This Week

Rain from Cyclone Arnab Could Affect NPL Matches at Kirtipur This Week

October 28, 2026

Rain forecast across Nepal from Thursday, October 29, through Saturday, October 31, could affect the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 schedule at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu. The developing weather system, identified in recent reports as Cyclone Arnab, has prompted warnings about rainfall, thunderstorms, and possible heavy precipitation in parts of the country.

Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast unsettled weather during the period, while the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has urged people to remain alert. Nepal News reported on October 27 that the weather system could affect several provinces, including Bagmati, where Kathmandu and Kirtipur are located.

The forecast overlaps with four scheduled NPL fixtures on October 29 and 31. However, a national weather forecast does not confirm that rain will occur at the cricket ground during a particular match.

As of October 28, the published NPL schedule continues to list the fixtures as planned. Fans should check official tournament announcements for any changes to match timings or playing arrangements.

What the Weather Forecast Says

According to reports from Nepal News and The Kathmandu Post, a weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal could bring rain to several parts of Nepal between October 29 and November 1. The risk of heavier rainfall is expected to be greater in some areas on October 30 and 31.

The forecast indicates that the Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces could experience moderate rainfall, with heavy rain possible in some locations. Mountainous regions also face potential snowfall and other adverse weather conditions.

Meteorologist Binod Pokharel has warned of possible weather-related risks during this period, although the timing and intensity of rainfall may change as the system develops.

For NPL matches in Kirtipur, the key concern is whether rain coincides with scheduled playing hours. Persistent rainfall could delay a start, interrupt play, or reduce the number of overs. The extent of any disruption would depend on local conditions at the ground and the match officials’ assessment.

NPL 2026 Matches That Could Be Affected

The following fixtures are scheduled at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur during the forecast period.

DateMatchStart time (Nepal Standard Time)
Thursday, October 29Janakpur Bolts vs Kathmandu Gurkhas12:30 PM
Thursday, October 29Karnali Yaks vs Biratnagar Kings5:00 PM
Friday, October 30Rest dayNo match scheduled
Saturday, October 31Lumbini Lions vs Chitwan Rhinos12:30 PM
Saturday, October 31Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings5:00 PM

The fixtures and timings are listed on the NPL 2026 schedule.

Friday, October 30, is a scheduled rest day, but the forecast suggests that unsettled weather could continue into Saturday. Both Saturday fixtures therefore fall within the broader period of weather concern.

The forecasts do not establish that any of these matches will be postponed or abandoned. Actual playing conditions will need to be assessed closer to each match.

Could Rain Disrupt NPL Matches in Kirtipur?

Rain can affect T20 cricket in several ways. A shower before the scheduled start may delay the toss or prevent the match from beginning on time. Rain during an innings can interrupt play and reduce the available overs, while a wet outfield may delay the resumption of a match.

If conditions prevent sufficient play, a match could be shortened or abandoned under the applicable competition regulations. However, the outcome would depend on the duration of the interruption, the conditions at the venue, and the relevant playing rules.

Although ground conditions and drainage can influence how quickly play resumes after rain, there is no confirmed match-specific assessment in the information available here establishing how the Kirtipur ground would perform during this particular weather event.

For that reason, fans should avoid treating the forecast as confirmation of a schedule disruption.

What the Weather Could Mean for the NPL Points Table

The four fixtures could be important to the early standings in Nepal Premier League Season 3. Rain interruptions may affect the number of overs available to teams, while a match that cannot be completed could influence how points are allocated under the tournament's rules.

Supporters can follow completed results and changes in the standings through the NPL 2026 points table. The NPL live scores page also provides a place to check match progress and results.

The weather forecast alone does not indicate which teams will benefit or lose ground in the standings. That will depend on the matches played and the official outcomes.

Where to Check NPL 2026 Weather and Match Updates

Fans planning to attend matches at Kirtipur should monitor updated weather forecasts and announcements from the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the NPL organizers.

For match-specific information, check the NPL 2026 schedule before travelling to the ground. Any confirmed postponement, delay, or change in arrangements should be communicated through official tournament channels.

The NPL 2026 season is scheduled to continue through November 21, with the final planned for that date. Whether the current spell of unsettled weather affects any fixtures will depend on conditions in Kirtipur over the coming days.

The key takeaway: Rain is forecast during part of the NPL 2026 schedule, making October 29 and October 31 worth monitoring. However, all listed fixtures should be treated as scheduled unless the organizers announce a change.

NPL T20 Team

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.