CAN Releases 2026 Cricket Calendar: A Detailed Guide to Nepal’s Domestic and International Fixtures

3rd January 2026, Kathmandu

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has officially announced its much-anticipated 2026 Annual Cricket Calendar, marking a significant milestone in the professionalization of the sport in the country.

CAN Releases 2026 Cricket Calendar

Unveiled during a press meet in Kathmandu, the calendar provides a detailed schedule for domestic and international activities, focusing heavily on youth development, women’s empowerment, and technical excellence.

With 2026 being a T20 World Cup year, the calendar is designed to maximize the competitive edge of the Nepalese national teams while strengthening the grassroots structure.

1. Domestic Cricket Revitalization: The Return of Heritage

One of the most exciting aspects of the 2026 calendar is the revival and restructuring of domestic tournaments. CAN aims to bridge the gap between provincial talent and the national side through:

Men’s A-Division Cup: This premier tournament will return in a decentralized format, starting from district and provincial levels before culminating in a national showdown in March and April.

The Jai Trophy: Reviving its rich history, the Jai Trophy will serve as the top-tier domestic red-ball competition, testing the endurance and skill of provincial players.

National School & Youth Championships: To ensure a steady pipeline of talent, CAN will host the National School Championship and the CAN Youth Cup across various age groups.

2. Global Ambitions: International Fixtures for 2026

The Nepalese national teams (Men, Women, and U-19) are set for an incredibly busy year on the international circuit. Highlights include:

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Nepal has qualified and will compete in Group C alongside heavyweights like England, West Indies, and Bangladesh.

ICC World Cricket League (WCL): Vital matches for ODI status and ranking progression.

Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers: A primary focus for the women’s team to secure a spot on the global stage.

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Youth Exposure: The U-19 team will embark on crucial tours to Bhutan and Malaysia to prepare for future ICC events.

ACC Cups & Asia Cup: Participation in Asian Cricket Council tournaments for both senior teams.

3. Nepal Premier League (NPL) and Franchise Cricket

The Nepal Premier League (NPL) continues to be the crown jewel of the domestic season. As per the 2026 calendar, the franchise-based T20 league is scheduled to provide high-octane entertainment while offering local players a platform to share the locker room with international stars.

4. Elevating Women’s Cricket

In a historic move, CAN has introduced a Women’s Long-Format Tournament to diversify the skills of female cricketers. Alongside the Girls’ National Championship and the Women’s A-Division Cup, the 2026 calendar ensures that female athletes receive equal opportunities for growth and professional play.

5. Technical and Infrastructure Growth

Beyond the pitch, CAN is investing in the backbone of the sport:

Coaching & Umpiring: Level 1 and Level 2 coaching courses will be conducted nationwide.

Pitch & Curation: Specialized courses for pitch curators to improve the quality of playing surfaces in Nepal.

Trophy Tour: For the first time, the ICC T20 World Cup Trophy will tour Nepal in January 2026, boosting fan engagement and national pride.

Key Takeaways for Fans

Conclusion

The CAN 2026 Cricket Calendar is more than just a schedule; it is a vision to transform Nepal into a cricketing powerhouse.

By balancing high-profile international matches with a robust domestic “A-Division” structure, the Cricket Association of Nepal is ensuring that the future of Nepalese cricket remains bright and sustainable.

For more: CAN 2026 Cricket Calendar