20th October 2025, Kathmandu
The dream of hosting international-standard day-night cricket matches in Nepal is rapidly becoming a reality. The Tribhuvan University (TU) Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, has achieved a critical milestone with the successful erection of all six floodlight towers.
Kirtipur Cricket Ground Milestone
The floodlight contractor completed the major installation work on Sunday, successfully raising two poles in a single day. This puts the stadium on track for a dramatic transformation just weeks before the start of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Countdown to the First Night Match
The newly erected high-mast lights are a colossal addition to the stadium’s infrastructure. Each of the six poles weighs 30 tonnes and stands at an impressive height of 45 meters and 60 meters.
Project Chief Chakravarti Kanth confirmed that with the poles now standing tall, the focus shifts immediately to the final stage of installation.
“Floodlights are already partially installed on four poles (No. 1, 4, 5, and 6). Now that all poles are erected, the work of installing lights on the remaining two will begin,” Kanth stated.
Both the parapet and floodlight contractors had previously committed to completing their respective tasks before the NPL’s scheduled start on November 17 (Mangsir 1).
The contractor responsible for the parapet (seating area) has already completed their work, ensuring that the stadium is ready to host the league under its new, modern capacity.
National Priority and $10 Billion Expansion
This upgrade is part of a much larger, ambitious government vision for the venue.
In mid-October, the Cabinet approved the stadium’s master plan, officially granting the project National Priority status.
This monumental decision paves the way for the second phase of construction, which has been allocated a substantial budget of approximately NPR 10 billion.
Ministers, including Kulman Ghising (overseeing Urban Development), have recently monitored the site, underscoring the government’s commitment to accelerating the project.
The full development, outlined in the newly approved master plan, is set to transform the TU Ground into a flagship international cricket complex, significantly boosting sports and tourism in Nepal.
The completion of the floodlight installation is not just an infrastructure victory; it is a profound step forward for Nepalese cricket, enabling the national team to host and compete in night matches, and finally allowing the NPL to be played under international-standard lights for the very first time.
For more: Kirtipur Cricket Ground Milestone