Lumbini Lions Appoints Shine Resunga Development Bank as Home Bank Partner
2nd November 2025, Kathmandu
Lumbini Lions, the franchise cricket team representing Lumbini Province in the prestigious Nepal Premier League (NPL), has officially announced Shine Resunga Development Bank as its Home Bank Partner.
Lumbini Lions’ Home Bank Partner
This strategic alliance, signed in Butwal, aligns a premier regional financial institution with the province’s flagship cricket team, ahead of the highly anticipated second edition of the NPL. The partnership is designed to foster a direct positive impact on team performance, player investment, and regional branding.
The Strategic Partnership Details
The agreement formalizing the collaboration was signed by Laxmandeva Acharya, Manager of Lumbini Lions, and Lokraj Paneru, Deputy CEO of Shine Resunga Development Bank. This partnership underscores a mutual commitment to excellence and regional development, leveraging the power of professional sports and financial stability.
Official Role: Shine Resunga Development Bank will serve as the official home bank partner for the Lumbini Lions throughout their participation in the second season of the Nepal Premier League.
Tournament Dates: The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), is scheduled to run for nearly a month, from 1 to 27 Mansir (approximately mid-November to mid-December 2025). The Lumbini Lions, who finished at the bottom of the table in the first edition, will be looking to significantly improve their standing this season.
Incumbent Champion: The first edition of the NPL was won by the Janakpur Bolts, setting a high competitive benchmark for the second season.
Motivation Behind the Alliance
The decision to partner was rooted in regional identity and the mutual goal of empowering local talent and promoting the province’s brand nationally.
Regional Synergy and Player Support: Lumbini Lions Manager Acharya explicitly stated that Shine Resunga Development Bank was chosen because it is the only national-level development bank established in Lumbini Province. This local connection is seen as crucial for the team’s spirit and financial foundation. The partnership is intended to strengthen player investment and significantly boost team morale by securing a stable, locally rooted financial backer.
Cricket Development and Encouragement: Deputy CEO Paneru highlighted the bank’s commitment to collaborating with the team to actively promote cricket development within the region and to encourage the players in their competitive journey. Such financial backing is essential for modern sports teams, covering expenses like player salaries, training facilities, and operational costs.
Branding and Tourism Promotion: Chief Branding Officer Prabhas Rai further elaborated on the broader objectives, noting that the partnership is expected to serve as an excellent vehicle for branding for both the bank and the team. Crucially, it will also contribute to tourism promotion in Lumbini Province, leveraging the national spotlight of the NPL to highlight the province’s cultural and historical significance.
The NPL Landscape and Lumbini Lions
The Nepal Premier League is an important Twenty20 cricket tournament, with eight teams representing various cities and provinces across the country. The Lumbini Lions, whose marquee player and captain is often Rohit Paudel, one of Nepal’s key international cricketers, are a central part of this competitive structure. The partnership with Shine Resunga Development Bank provides a strong financial and regional platform for the team as they aim for better results in the upcoming tournament. This local banking partnership is a testament to the increasing commercialization and professionalization of cricket in Nepal, where local institutions are stepping up to back provincial teams.
For More: Lumbini Lions’ Home Bank Partner
