The inaugural edition of the Canterbury Nepalese Premier League (CNPL) is set to kick off on April 19 and 20 at Spreydon Domain, Christchurch. Designed to unite the Nepalese cricket community across New Zealand, the CNPL is an auction-based, franchise-style cricket tournament that promises high-voltage matches, community spirit, and a platform for both emerging and seasoned cricketers.
A total of four teams—Big Blasters, Yeti Strikers, The Royals, and Himalayan Hurricanes—will compete for the coveted NZD $1500 cash prize, as excitement builds among players and supporters alike.
Bivek Thapa Headlines Top Players
The recently held player auction created a buzz across the community, with Bivek Thapa emerging as the most expensive player and number one overall pick, amassing 4100 points. He will represent Yeti Strikers in the tournament.
The Top 5 Players as per the auction include:
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Bivek Thapa (4100 points – Yeti Strikers)
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Bishal Bhandari (3150 points – Big Blasters)
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Milan Kharel (2500 points – Himalayan Hurricanes)
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Dipesh Yadav (2500 points – Himalayan Hurricanes)
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Radhe Yadav (2250 points – Big Blasters)
These players are expected to be central figures in their teams’ campaigns and are likely to leave a significant mark on the tournament.
Tournament Format and Rules
The CNPL features a unique auction-based format, a first-of-its-kind in the Nepalese community cricket circuit in New Zealand. Each team was allowed to bid on players during the auction, adhering to specific player category rules:
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A maximum of 3 Category A players
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A minimum of 4 Category B players
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A minimum of 2 Category C players
To further promote inclusiveness and diversity, each team is allowed to feature up to 2 non-Nepalese players. The tournament will also feature an Impact Player Rule, allowing strategic in-game substitutions to boost competitiveness and add excitement.
Participating Teams and Owners
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Big Blasters – Owned by Moving Pun and Deepak Chouhan
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Yeti Strikers – Owned by Prakash Gautam
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The Royals – Owned by Samundra Bastola
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Himalayan Hurricanes – Owned by Santosh Giri
These franchise owners played a pivotal role in building balanced and competitive squads through the auction process.
Star Power and Brand Ambassador
Adding further prestige to the league, Subash Khakurel, former Nepal national team wicketkeeper-batsman, has been announced as the official brand ambassador of the Canterbury Nepalese Premier League.
Khakurel, a prominent figure in Nepali cricket, brings valuable visibility, credibility, and inspiration to the league and its players.
A Celebration of Cricket and Community
The CNPL is more than just a cricket tournament—it is a celebration of unity, friendship, and youth development within the Nepalese diaspora in New Zealand. Players from across cities like Auckland, Tauranga, Timaru, Queenstown, and Christchurch have come together, bringing talent, passion, and community spirit under one roof.
The league aims to not only provide a professional-style cricketing platform but also create meaningful connections among Nepalese youth scattered across the country.
Final Words from the Organizers
“Our vision is to bring the Nepalese community together through cricket, and CNPL is a testament to that spirit. Whether you’re a fan, a player, or just a supporter of community building, this league is for you.”
With the venue set, squads formed, and enthusiasm peaking, all eyes are now on Spreydon Domain this weekend. Cricket fans are encouraged to attend and support their favorite teams in what promises to be a festive and competitive cricketing event.
