The Nepal Premier League (NPL) is back for its third season, and cricket fans across the country have a date to circle on their calendars. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has officially confirmed that NPL Season 3 will run from October 26 to November 21, 2026 (Kartik 9 to Mangsir 5 in the Nepali calendar).

The announcement brings an early close to weeks of speculation about the T20 franchise league’s return, with all eight franchises now gearing up for a five-week battle for the title.

NPL Season 3 Schedule Confirmed

According to CAN, this year’s edition will span 27 days, following the same round-robin-plus-playoffs format that has defined the tournament since its 2024 launch. The Nepal Premier League, founded in 2024, has quickly become the country’s flagship domestic T20 competition, drawing both local talent and overseas professionals to Nepal’s cricket grounds.

While the exact venues for NPL Season 3 haven’t been publicly detailed yet, previous seasons have been hosted at major cricket venues in Kathmandu and other cities, drawing large crowds and strong television viewership.

Player Auction Already Completed

Ahead of the new season, the NPL Season 3 player auction has already been completed, according to CAN officials. All eight franchises are now finalizing their squads, with several teams actively working to sign foreign players to strengthen their lineups before the tournament begins.

The addition of international players has been a hallmark of NPL since its inception, with past seasons featuring recognizable names from the global T20 circuit turning out for Nepal’s franchise sides. For more on Nepal’s rising profile in world cricket, see the International Cricket Council’s Nepal team page.

A Look Back: NPL’s Champions So Far

The Nepal Premier League has produced two different champions in as many seasons, making the race for the Season 3 title wide open.

Season 1 (2024): Janakpur Bolts Triumph

In the league’s inaugural edition, held from late November through December 2024, Janakpur Bolts lifted the trophy, defeating Sudurpaschim Royals in a hard-fought final to become the first-ever NPL champions.

Season 2 (2025): Lumbini Lions Take the Crown

The second season saw a change at the top, with Lumbini Lions claiming the title in December 2025. Once again, it was Sudurpaschim Royals who fell agonizingly short, finishing as runners-up for the second consecutive year.

Sudurpaschim Royals: The Nearly Men

Sudurpaschim Royals now hold the unwanted distinction of being runners-up in both editions of the Nepal Premier League without yet winning the title. With Season 3 approaching, the franchise will be eager to finally get over the line and end their frustrating wait for silverware.

Why NPL Season 3 Matters for Nepali Cricket

The Nepal Premier League has rapidly grown into one of South Asia’s most-watched emerging T20 leagues, giving domestic Nepali players a platform to compete alongside international professionals. The tournament has also played a role in raising the profile of Nepali cricket on the global stage, following the national team’s growing presence in ICC events.

With eight city and province-based franchises — including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Chitwan, Karnali, Janakpur, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim — competing for the title, NPL Season 3 promises high-intensity cricket across its full 27-day schedule.

What to Expect From NPL Season 3

Fans can expect the tournament to follow its established format: a round-robin league stage followed by playoffs, culminating in a grand final in mid-to-late November. With the auction completed and foreign player signings underway, squads are expected to be finalized well ahead of the October 26 opening match.

As CAN prepares to release the full fixture list, venue schedule, and broadcast details in the coming weeks, anticipation is building among Nepali cricket fans for what promises to be the most competitive edition of the Nepal Premier League yet.

Stay tuned for further updates on squads, schedules, and ticket information as NPL Season 3 approaches its October 26 start date.