The International Cricket Council (ICC) has sanctioned the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), giving Nepal’s flagship franchise T20 competition regulatory approval ahead of its October 26 opening and introducing new compliance requirements for participating teams.
The decision, announced by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on October 16, clears the way for the 2026 tournament to operate within the ICC‘s approved cricket framework. However, franchises must now ensure that overseas recruits meet eligibility conditions, including mandatory clearance from their respective national boards.
The Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League is scheduled to run until November 21 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, with the ICC’s approval applying specifically to this year’s edition.
ICC approval marks a milestone for Nepal Premier League
The sanction follows a period of uncertainty over the tournament’s regulatory status, with CAN having previously received encouraging feedback while awaiting written confirmation from the ICC.
For Nepal’s franchise competition, the decision provides a clearer framework for attracting international players and operating alongside other sanctioned T20 leagues.
The Nepal Premier League celebrated the development in a post on X, stating: “Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League is officially sanctioned by the ICC. A new chapter. A bigger stage. A proud moment for Nepal. This is more than a league. This is Nepal Cricket moving forward. Are you ready???”
Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League is officially sanctioned by the ICC.🇳🇵
A new chapter. A bigger stage. A proud moment for Nepal. This is more than a league. This is Nepal Cricket moving forward. Are you ready???
#SBLNPL | #HamroShaan | #NepalCricket https://t.co/nqk1q8PsQ1
— Nepal Premier League (@OfficialNPLT20) October 16, 2026
CAN has welcomed the ICC’s support, viewing the approval as an important development for the expansion of domestic cricket and the NPL’s international standing.
Cricket Association of Nepal Secretary Paras Khadka also marked the occasion in a post on X, writing: “The Pursuit of Happiness : Version 3:0 Years of relentless effort, belief and dedication from everyone across Nepal Cricket — working together to restore Nepal’s place where it belongs, as a cricketing nation that has always punched above its weight. And now, it’s about time. Thank you to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for your continued support and belief in Nepal Cricket. We are ready to welcome the cricketing world to the Festival of Himalayas.”
The Pursuit of Happiness :
Version 3:0Years of relentless effort, belief and dedication from everyone across Nepal Cricket — working together to restore Nepal’s place where it belongs, as a cricketing nation that has always punched above its weight.
And now, it’s about time.
Thank you to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for your continued support and belief in Nepal Cricket.We are ready to welcome the cricketing world to the Festival of Himalayas.🇳🇵
@CricketNep @OfficialNPLT20 @ICC
#Sblnpl #NepalCricket #Festivalofhimalayas
— Paras Khadka (@paras77) October 16, 2026
Foreign players must secure board clearance, including retired internationals
One of the most significant conditions attached to the ICC sanction concerns the recruitment of overseas cricketers.
Every foreign player seeking to participate in NPL 2026 must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant national cricket board. The requirement applies regardless of whether a player remains active in international cricket.
Cricket Association of Nepal Secretary Paras Khadka said at an October 17 press conference in Kirtipur: “Foreign players who have retired from international cricket will need to get a mandatory NOC from the cricket board of their respective country to play in the NPL.”
The requirement means franchises cannot rely solely on contractual agreements with players when completing their overseas recruitment. The necessary board permissions must also be secured before those cricketers can participate.
Another eligibility restriction prevents players from competing in the NPL if they have participated in disapproved cricket during the six months preceding the tournament.
This includes involvement in competitions that lack recognition or approval from the relevant cricket authorities, placing additional responsibility on franchises to check the recent playing history of prospective signings.
NPL franchises permitted eight overseas players in expanded squads
The 2026 competition will allow franchises to register between six and eight overseas cricketers, increasing the maximum from six in the previous two editions.
The expansion provides teams with additional recruitment flexibility, particularly when managing injuries, player availability and possible replacements during the tournament.
However, the regulations governing match-day team composition will remain unchanged.
Each playing XI must include at least seven Nepali cricketers, meaning teams can field no more than four overseas players in a match.
The distinction between squad registration and playing XI limits allows franchises to recruit a larger international contingent while preserving a majority of places in each team for domestic players.
For franchise management teams, the changes make overseas recruitment a more detailed process involving player selection, board clearances and compliance with eligibility requirements.
Anti-corruption safeguards form part of ICC sanction conditions
CAN must also ensure that the tournament operates with appropriate anti-corruption protections consistent with the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.
The requirements cover monitoring and investigation of potential violations, alongside enforcement procedures where necessary.
Players, franchise owners, team officials and other stakeholders involved in the competition will be subject to the relevant anti-corruption regulations and applicable Nepali laws.
These obligations place additional emphasis on tournament integrity as the NPL continues to develop its franchise operations and commercial activities.
CAN has accepted the conditions communicated by the ICC and is responsible for implementing the necessary safeguards throughout the competition.
DRS preparations continue as ICC review awaits tournament completion
The governing body is also working on operational arrangements for the third season, including match officiating and the potential introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS).
Khadka indicated that preparations for DRS were at an advanced stage, although its implementation had not been formally confirmed in the supplied announcements.
The possible introduction of the system would require appropriate officiating arrangements, including preparations for third-umpire responsibilities.
The ICC’s approval also comes with a post-tournament review process.
Following the conclusion of NPL 2026, the competition will be subject to an ICC review within 60 days, with CAN required to continue the relevant application and compliance procedures for subsequent editions.
Questions also remain over the precise statistical classification of NPL matches. CAN has indicated that it expects recognised T20 status, but that position is separate from the tournament sanction and awaits formal confirmation.
Nepal Premier League set for October 26 opening
The third season will begin with defending champions Lumbini Lions facing Sudurpaschim Royals on October 26.
The knockout schedule includes Qualifier 1 on November 17, the Eliminator on November 18, Qualifier 2 on November 19 and the Final on November 21.
With the sanction secured, attention now shifts to franchises completing their recruitment and regulatory requirements before the competition begins.
For CAN, the immediate priority is to deliver the third edition in accordance with the ICC’s conditions, while establishing the operational foundations needed to pursue approval for future seasons.
