The renowned Indian sports channel, Star Sports Network, has officially secured the broadcasting rights for the Nepal Premier League (NPL), set to take place from November 30 to December 21, 2024. This groundbreaking announcement was made by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) during a special event on Friday.
This marks the first time that Star Sports will broadcast a domestic cricket tournament from Nepal. Known for its coverage of prestigious events like the ICC tournaments and the Indian Premier League (IPL), Star Sports’ involvement elevates the status of NPL on the global stage.
CAN Partners with Star Sports for Global Reach
CAN Secretary Paras Khadka revealed that the board has purchased airtime from Star Sports to ensure live coverage of the league. He acknowledged that the broadcast deal required significant financial investment but emphasized its importance for the league’s growth. Khadka stated, “Without showcasing our league on an international platform like Star Sports, we wouldn’t be able to attract top-tier global players to Nepal.”
He further added, “Our goal is to establish NPL as a premier cricketing brand, a platform where the world’s most celebrated cricketers come to play.”
The deal was facilitated by NPL’s strategic partner, Twenty-First Century Media (TCM Sports), which played a pivotal role in securing the agreement with Star Sports.
World-Class Broadcast Expectations
With Star Sports onboard, the broadcast quality of NPL is expected to reach international standards. Comparisons are already being drawn to the 2021 Everest Premier League (EPL), which was produced by the Indian production team Sportzworkz and aired in over 100 countries. While EPL received praise for its high-quality production, the inclusion of Star Sports for NPL is anticipated to set an even higher benchmark.
The rights for digital streaming and local broadcasts in Nepal will be announced soon.
Global Stars Confirmed for NPL
The league, featuring eight franchise teams, will bring cricket fans an exciting lineup of international stars, including India’s Shikhar Dhawan, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill and James Neesham, and England’s Ravi Bopara.
The Nepal Premier League 2024, organized by CAN, represents a historic milestone for Nepalese cricket, promising a world-class spectacle for fans at home and abroad.
