Kathmandu: Ncell has announced its partnership with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) as the ‘Powered By’ sponsor for the upcoming Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024. The professional franchise-based T20 cricket tournament, featuring eight teams and 32 matches, will kick off on November 30 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, and conclude with the finals on December 21.

This collaboration aims to promote Nepal’s homegrown cricket talent and provide a platform for players to showcase their skills. Teams representing major cities—Biratnagar, Chitwan, Janakpur, Karnali, Kathmandu, Lumbini, Pokhara, and Sudurpashim—will compete in a round-robin format.

The agreement was formalized last week between Ncell’s Managing Director and CEO, Jabbor Kayumov, and CAN Secretary, Paras Khadka. Speaking about the partnership, Kayumov stated, “This collaboration underscores our commitment to youth empowerment, sports development, and social unity. Cricket has a special place in the hearts of people across the subcontinent, and we are proud to support a tournament that showcases local talent while bringing international-level production and players to the forefront.”

The NPL matches will also be broadcasted internationally, with Ncell enabling live streaming for on-the-go viewers. The company has planned various customer-centric activations and offers during the tournament.

CAN Secretary Khadka expressed gratitude, stating, “NPL’s goal is to develop Nepalese cricket and elevate it to global standards. Ncell has been a consistent supporter of sports in Nepal, and their involvement will help us achieve long-term goals, including establishing NPL as one of the world’s leading cricket leagues.”

Ncell’s contribution to sports in Nepal extends beyond cricket, with sponsorships in football, volleyball, golf, and para-athletics. The company has supported key events, including the Triangular T20I Series, ICC League 2, and Nepal-Canada ODI Series. In 2014, Ncell organized Nepal’s first domestic cricket league, the Ncell Nepal Premier League, in collaboration with CAN.

Through its CSR initiatives, Ncell has also supported the National Paralympic Committee, revitalized the Lainchaur Ground, and organized annual corporate golf tournaments. These efforts highlight the company’s enduring commitment to nurturing sports talent and infrastructure in Nepal.