Indian viewers can watch the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 live on FanCode for streaming and Star Sports Network for television broadcasts. The third season of the NPL started on October 26, 2026, and will conclude on November 21, 2026, featuring eight teams competing in 32 matches.
Key Facts
- The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 runs from October 26 to November 21, 2026.
- Eight teams are participating in 32 matches, all held at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Nepal.
- In India, matches are available for live streaming on FanCode and television broadcast on Star Sports Network.
- The tournament features International Cricket Council (ICC) recognition and the Decision Review System (DRS) for the first time.
- The total prize money for the top four teams is Rs 30 million, with the champions receiving Rs 15 million.
How to Watch Nepal Premier League India: Streaming and TV Options
To watch the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 in India, cricket fans have two primary options: the FanCode streaming platform and the Star Sports Network on television. These platforms provide extensive coverage of the tournament’s 32 matches.
FanCode holds the digital streaming rights for the NPL 2026 in India, offering live coverage of all games. For traditional television viewers, the Star Sports Network will broadcast the matches. Viewers in Nepal can watch on Himalaya Sports TV and stream via the NetTV app with a paid subscription, which also holds worldwide OTT rights for other regions including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East, according to NPLT20League.com
What is the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026?
The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 is the third season of Nepal’s premier franchise-based Twenty20 cricket tournament. Organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the league features eight city-based franchises competing for the title.
This season marks a significant milestone with International Cricket Council (ICC) recognition, meaning player statistics from the NPL will officially count towards their T20 records. The tournament also introduces the Decision Review System (DRS), enhancing fair play and decision accuracy. The Cricket Association of Nepal expects the NPL Season 3 to generate approximately Rs 1.5 billion in economic activity, as reported by Cricketaddictor.com
NPL 2026 Schedule and Match Timings for Indian Viewers
The NPL 2026 tournament runs from October 26 to November 21, 2026, with all matches played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Nepal. The schedule includes a league stage, followed by playoffs and the final match.
Matches typically start at two different times to accommodate double-headers. The early matches begin at 12:15 PM Indian Standard Time (IST), while later matches start at 4:45 PM IST. The opening match on October 26, 2026, between defending champions Lumbini Lions and Sudurpaschim Royals, began at 4:15 PM IST, as stated by LatestLYThe league stage concludes on November 15, 2026, with the final scheduled for November 21, 2026.
| Match Type | Dates | Match Times (IST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| League Stage | October 26 – November 15, 2026 | 12:15 PM & 4:45 PM | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
| Playoffs | November 17 – November 20, 2026 | TBD | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
| Final | November 21, 2026 | TBD | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
Participating Teams and Key Players in NPL Season 3
Eight city-based franchises are competing in the NPL Season 3, combining local Nepalese talent with notable international players. These teams include Sudurpaschim Royals, Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini Lions, Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Janakpur Bolts, Chitwan Rhinos, and Biratnagar Kings.
Several international stars have joined the league, including David Warner (Kathmandu Gorkhas), Andre Russell (Biratnagar Kings), Shakib Al Hasan (Pokhara Avengers), Moeen Ali (Janakpur Bolts), Sikandar Raza (Chitwan Rhinos), and James Neesham (Janakpur Bolts). These signings aim to boost the league’s profile and competitive level, drawing comparisons to other regional cricket tournaments such as the NFL’s international games or the UFC’s global eventswhich also feature international talent.
The captains for each team include Dipendra Singh Airee (Sudurpaschim Royals), Kushal Bhurtel (Pokhara Avengers), Rohit Paudel (Lumbini Lions), Sompal Kami (Karnali Yaks), Karan KC (Kathmandu Gorkhas), Harmeet Singh (Janakpur Bolts), Kushal Malla (Chitwan Rhinos), and Sandeep Lamichhane (Biratnagar Kings).
Prize Money and Tournament Structure
The Nepal Premier League 2026 offers a substantial prize pool for the top-performing teams. The total prize money for the top four teams is Rs 30 million (approximately $250,000 USD, based on current exchange rates), which highlights the growing commercial aspect of Nepalese cricket.
The tournament champions will receive Rs 15 million, while the runners-up will be awarded Rs 8 million. The third-placed team receives Rs 4 million, and the fourth-placed team takes home Rs 3 million. The format includes a single league stage where each team plays every other team once. The top four teams then advance to a playoff stage, comprising Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, and Qualifier 2, before the final match. This structure is similar to various T20 leagues globally, ensuring competitive matches throughout the season.
FanCode and Star Sports Coverage
FanCode is a popular sports streaming platform in India, known for broadcasting various international and domestic cricket tournaments. Subscribers can access live matches, highlights, and exclusive content related to the NPL 2026. The platform typically offers season passes or individual match passes, providing flexible viewing options for fans.
The Star Sports Network is a major sports broadcaster in India, providing extensive coverage of cricket and other sports. Its channels are widely available through cable and DTH providers across the country. The availability of the NPL on Star Sports ensures that a broad audience can follow the tournament on traditional television, complementing the digital streaming options on FanCode. This broad coverage mirrors that of other major sporting events, such as the Strictly Come Dancing series or major cricket contract announcementswhich also seek wide viewership.
FAQ
Where can I watch the Nepal Premier League 2026 in India?
In India, you can watch the Nepal Premier League 2026 live on the FanCode streaming platform and the Star Sports Network for television broadcasts.
What are the match timings for NPL 2026 in Indian Standard Time (IST)?
Matches in the NPL 2026 generally start at 12:15 PM IST and 4:45 PM IST on double-header days. The opening match on October 26, 2026, started at 4:15 PM IST.
When does the Nepal Premier League 2026 season end?
The Nepal Premier League 2026 season concludes on November 21, 2026, with the final match.
Which international players are participating in NPL Season 3?
Notable international players in NPL Season 3 include David Warner, Andre Russell, Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali, Sikandar Raza, and James Neesham, among others.
Is the Decision Review System (DRS) used in NPL 2026?
Yes, the Nepal Premier League 2026 features the Decision Review System (DRS) for the first time, allowing teams to review umpiring decisions.
Sources: Cricketaddictor.com – LatestLY – Cricketnews.com – NPLT20League.comUpdated: October 26, 2026.
