Khaptad Sudurpaschim Thunder to compete in inaugural Nepal Street Premier League

Dhangadhi: Khaptad Sudurpaschim Thunder is set to face Khaptad Sudurpaschim Thunder from Far West in the inaugural Nepal Street Premier League (NSPL) cricket tournament starting Kartik 15. The tournament features seven teams representing all seven provinces of Nepal.

Team owner Arun Bhandari, speaking at a press conference in Godavari, Kailali on Tuesday, stated that the Sudurpaschim team will represent the Far West in the tournament. “Seven teams from across the country will compete, including Khaptad Sudurpaschim Thunder from Far West. We expect everyone’s support and cooperation,” he said.

The T-10 format tournament, played with tennis balls, is being organized for the first time in the country by Kathmandu-based DGR Sports and Event Management Pvt. Ltd. Players for the teams were recently acquired through an auction.

Bhandari said his team has built a balanced squad dominated by local talent, with 12 of the 16 players hailing from Sudurpaschim. “This has also boosted the morale of the tennis ball players here,” he added. Former national player Mehboob Alam is the team’s key player, with Bikram Bista as team manager and cyclist Bharat Bikram Shah serving as brand ambassador.

He emphasized that while tennis ball cricket is widely played in streets across the country, lack of professionalism has been a challenge. “This competition allows street players to experience stadium cricket and brings new enthusiasm to the sport. It will help produce more cricket talent in the coming days,” Bhandari said.

The tournament will run until Kartik 25 at Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu. Khaptad Sudurpaschim Thunder purchased players through the auction for Rs 735,000. The top four teams from the single round-robin stage will advance to the semi-finals. The winning team will receive Rs 21 lakhs, while the runner-up will earn Rs 11 lakhs.