NPL 2026 Opening Match: Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals
NPL 2026 opens on 9 kartik with a final rematch: Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals at 5 PM. Time, players, tickets and streaming inside.
The third season of the Nepal Premier League begins on Monday, 26 October 2026, with defending champions Lumbini Lions taking on Sudurpaschim Royals at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The NPL 2026 opening match starts at 5:00 PM Nepal time, and the tournament runs until the final on 21 November.
It is a rematch of last season’s final, which Lumbini won by six wickets, and the Royals will want to start the new season by answering that result.
When and where is the NPL 2026 opening match?
Lumbini Lions face Sudurpaschim Royals on Monday, 26 October 2026, at 5:00 PM Nepal Standard Time. The venue is the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, which hosts all 32 matches of the season. The league is played under the title Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League.
The start time is 5:00 PM and not the 4:30 PM announced earlier. The Cricket Association of Nepal moved evening matches back by half an hour on 20 October after introducing the Decision Review System. On days with two matches, the first game starts at 12:30 PM and the second at 5:00 PM.
Why is this match a final rematch?
Lumbini Lions won their first title last season by beating Sudurpaschim Royals in the final. The Royals have now finished as runners-up in both seasons so far, losing the first final to Janakpur Bolts and the second to Lumbini. That gives this opener more edge than a usual first game, although it only counts for two points like any other league match.
Which players should fans watch?
For Lumbini Lions, captain Rohit Paudel is the key local batter and a leader of the side. Namibia fast bowler Ruben Trumpelmann was Player of the Series last season and has been retained. Australian D’Arcy Short is also back, and the Lions have added Bangladesh all-rounder Shamim Hossain and American all-rounder Shadley van Schalkwyk.
For Sudurpaschim Royals, Nepal all-rounder Dipendra Singh Aireecaptained the side in earlier seasons and remains the main local name. Abinash Bohara was joint top wicket-taker last season with 17 wickets. The Royals have also signed Scott Kuggeleijn, Saif Zaib and Brandon McMullen, along with West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford, who has played in several major franchise leagues.
Final playing XIs will only be known at the toss, so check the team announcements before the match.
What is new in NPL Season 3?
Three changes stand out. First, the International Cricket Council has recognised this season, so runs and wickets now count toward official player records for the first time. Second, the Decision Review System is being used in every match. CAN says it will use 3D ball tracking for LBW reviews and AI-based edge detection, and reviews will cover run-outs, stumpings and no-balls. Third, each franchise can now register up to eight overseas players, with four allowed in the playing XI alongside seven Nepali players.
Where can fans watch the opening match live?
In Nepal, Himalaya Television Network holds the domestic television rights. NetTV is the streaming partner, and its full-tournament pass costs Rs 400 in Nepal. Prices differ outside Nepal, so check the NetTV service for your country. Fans should avoid unofficial streaming links, which can be unreliable.
How much do NPL 2026 tickets cost?
CAN announced the prices on 22 October, and sales opened on eSewa that evening. For league-stage matches, general tickets cost Rs 500 and premium tickets cost Rs 1,000. For the eliminator and the final, general tickets cost Rs 1,000 and premium tickets cost Rs 2,000. The reports did not state separate prices for the qualifiers.
Availability may have changed since sales began, so check eSewa for the latest information and buy only through official channels.
What is the NPL 2026 schedule?
The league stage has 28 matches from 26 October to 15 November, with each of the eight teams playing seven games. The top four teams then enter the playoffs. Qualifier 1 is on 17 November, the Eliminator on 18 November, Qualifier 2 on 19 November, and the final on Saturday, 21 November.
What should fans watch for in the opener?
Three things may decide it. Early wickets in the powerplay can change a batting plan. Control in the middle overs often decides T20 matches. And with DRS being used for the first time, the first few reviews will show how smoothly the system runs. These are factors to watch and not a prediction, because the toss, conditions and playing XIs will matter on the night.
Quick answers
FAQWhen does NPL 2026 start?
Monday, 26 October 2026.
FAQWhat time is the opening match?
5:00 PM Nepal time.
FAQWhere is it played?
TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
FAQWhen is the final?
Saturday, 21 November 2026.
Squads, timings, ticket availability and streaming details can change during the tournament. Last updated: 25 October 2026. This article is independent editorial content. NPL Hub Nepal is not affiliated with the Nepal Premier League, the Cricket Association of Nepal, eSewa or NetTV