7th October 2024, Kathmandu
The much-awaited Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 auction is currently taking place at the prestigious Soaltee Hotel in Kathmandu, with excitement building as teams strengthen their squads for the upcoming season.
Nepal Premier League 2024 Auction
The NPL tournament, organized by the Nepal Cricket Association (CAN), is set to take place from November 15 to December 6, 2024, at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Auction Overview
The NPL auction features 164 Nepali players, selected from a pool of 426 registered candidates, with only 142 players making the final cut after the registration window, which was open from October 5 to 12. Players are categorized into three grades:
- Grade A: 27 players
- Grade B: 38 players
- Grade C: 77 players
The eight teams participating in the tournament, including Sudurpaschim Royals, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, and Karnali Yaks, are allowed to select up to 10 players. Each team can also include four foreign players, with one being an associate player, though this auction is exclusively for Nepali players. The marquee players have already been assigned to their respective franchises.
Auction Highlights: Sold and Unsold Players
- Bibek KC was one of the early success stories, sold to Kathmandu Gurkhas for 2 lakhs.
- A highly competitive bidding war took place for Mausam Dhakal, with Karnali Yaks securing him for 10 lakhs after a lucky draw between two teams.
- Abhinash Bohara was a top signing, sold to Sudurpaschim Royals for 12 lakhs, while Aakash Chand went to Pokhara Avengers for 11.5 lakhs.
- Tilak Raj Bhandari attracted maximum bids of 10 lakhs, landing with Lumbini Lions through a lucky draw.
- Durgesh Gupta fetched 8 lakhs and was bought by Lumbini Lions.
- Shankar Rana found a spot in Kathmandu Gurkhas for 9.5 lakhs, adding depth to their lineup.
- The fierce bidding for Bhim Sharki saw three teams offering the maximum of 15 lakhs, with Kathmandu Gurkhas winning the lucky draw.
- Aarif Sheikh also fetched 15 lakhs, joining Sudurpaschim Royals through a lucky draw.
- Anil Kumar Sah was another big name, sold to Janakpur Bolts for 15 lakhs.
Unsold Players
Despite the fierce bidding for top players, several notable names went unsold:
- Manoj Kumar Yadav, Binod Bhandari, Sahil Patel, Imran Sheikh, and Bipin Bikram Shahi were among those who remained unsold.
- Some players who remained without a franchise include Prem Tamang, Sher Malla, Rajesh Yadav, and Naresh Budhayer.
Intense Bidding Wars
The auction saw numerous lucky draws as teams placed maximum bids for standout players:
- Sagar Dhakal, Shahab Alam, and Bibek Yadav were all sold for 15 lakhs after their names drew intense competition among teams.
- Lokesh Bam, another sought-after player, went to Biratnagar Kings after six teams bid the maximum amount.
Complete List of Participating Teams
Each of the following franchises has been actively shaping their squad in hopes of dominating the NPL 2024 season:
- Sudurpaschim Royals
- Kathmandu Gurkhas
- Chitwan Rhinos
- Biratnagar Kings
- Janakpur Bolts
- Lumbini Lions
- Pokhara Avengers
- Karnali Yaks
With such fierce competition, the teams are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to assemble the strongest lineups for this year’s tournament.
Looking Ahead: NPL 2024 Promises Excitement
The Nepal Premier League 2024 is shaping up to be an action-packed season, with the tournament scheduled to run from November 15 to December 6. The TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur will host the matches, with fans eager to see their favorite players in action. The franchise-based format promises to bring intense cricketing competition, as each team will battle for the coveted NPL title.
Stay tuned for more updates as the auction unfolds and the teams finalize their squads for what promises to be an exhilarating season of Nepali cricket!
For more: Nepal Premier League 2024 Auction