PM Oli Supports Nepal Premier League Despite Suspension Order, Urges Grand Preparation

The Nepal Premier League has become the center of a growing controversy, as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli publicly voiced his support for the tournament, calling it a matter of national pride. Despite an official suspension order issued by the National Sports Council (NSC) amid an ongoing investigation, PM Oli has urged the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) to continue preparations for the second edition of the Nepal Premier League.

His strong backing has intensified the debate between political and sports authorities over the league’s future and highlighted the tournament’s growing significance in Nepal’s cricket landscape.

Nepal Premier League : Key Details

• League: Nepal Premier League (NPL)
• Governing Body: Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN)
• Issue: Suspension order issued to halt NPL preparations
• Authority Supporting NPL: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli
• Conflict: Dispute between National Sports Council (NSC) and Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN)
• Reason for Suspension: Investigation into alleged irregularities during the inaugural NPL season
• Investigation Focus: Irregularities in NPL 2024 Season
• Previous Champions: Janakpur Bolts
• Star Players Featured: Shikhar Dhawan, Martin Guptill, Jimmy Neesham, Ben Cutting
• PM’s Directive to CAN: To continue preparations for the second season despite suspension order
• Current Status: Investigation ongoing; preparations temporarily halted but PM supports moving forward
• National Impact: NPL seen as a growing sport platform with increasing popularity across Nepal

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has openly voiced his support for the Nepal Premier League, calling it a matter of national pride. In a firm message delivered through social media and a public event at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, PM Oli urged the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) to continue with all preparations for the tournament despite directives from the National Sports Council (NSC) to pause operations.

The Nepal Premier League is facing scrutiny after irregularities were reported during its inaugural 2024 season. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) initiated an investigation after complaints were filed about the league’s tender process and financial management. The Ministry of Youth and Sports formed a task force, which subsequently ordered CAN to suspend all preparations for the second edition of the NPL until the probe is complete.

However, PM Oli emphasized that the Nepal Premier League must not be politicized and said that sports and governance should remain independent. Speaking during the inauguration of a National High Performance Center and Sports Science Lab, the Prime Minister stated,

“Make grand preparations for the NPL. It is our national pride. It must be promoted on a national scale.”

Despite the formal notice from the NSC, Prime Minister Oli has instructed CAN to move forward with planning the second edition of the Nepal Premier League, reinforcing that the sport belongs to the people and must progress regardless of political hurdles. He added, “The ministry, NSC, and CAN must work together to take it forward. Begin the preparations.”

The inaugural season of the Nepal Premier League witnessed massive domestic and international engagement. Top international players like Shikhar Dhawan, Martin Guptill, Jimmy Neesham, and Ben Cutting added global appeal to the competition. Janakpur Bolts emerged as the champions of the first season.

The complaints that led to the current investigation were filed as early as November 22, 2024—before the league had even begun. A second complaint followed two months after the event’s conclusion. These allegations led to further inquiries, and the CIAA sent formal communication to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, asking for clarification.

Responding to the situation, CAN President Chatur Bahadur Chand confirmed that a board meeting is scheduled for the end of July 2025. The purpose of the meeting is to thoroughly assess the developments and decide on the roadmap for the second season of the Nepal Premier League.

“We will review all documents and decisions and then share details with the government and NSC,” said Chand. “I don’t see any reason to halt the NPL. The second edition will be even more spectacular.”

Despite the temporary pause caused by the ongoing investigation, enthusiasm for the Nepal Premier League remains high. Stakeholders, fans, and players await a favorable outcome, hoping that the tournament can continue to grow and become a significant sporting event for Nepal.