Nepal National Cricket League to start from April 11

Nepal APF Club (File Photo)

11 teams are set to take part in the 13th edition of Nepal National Cricket League, the established 50-over tourney in Nepal. The NNCL is the highest level of cricket competition in the country, which is organized annually by Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). The league is set to start from April 11, 2014.

The nine cricket regions of Nepal – Baitadi, Biratnagar, Birgung, Bhairawaha, Janakpur, Kathmandu, Kanchanpur, Nepalgunj, Pokhara – and two departmental teams – Armed Police Force (defending champions) and Tribhuvan Army Club are the teams to participate in the league. The matches will be played at Pokhara (western Nepal) and Kathmandu (capital).

Pepsi and Standard Chartered Bank are the title sponsors of the league.

Group A comprises of defending champions Nepal APF Sports Club, Birgunj, Tribhuvan Army Club, Baitadi and Pokhara, while Group B comprises of Biratnagar, Bhairawaha, Janakpur, Kathmandu, Kanchanpur and Nepalgunj.

Top two teams from each group will enter the semi-finals of the league.

The winner of the league will take home Nepalese Rs 150,000, while the runner-up will get Rs 100,000. Likewise, the Man-of-the-Series will get Rs 25,000, while the best batsman and the best bowler will be awarded Rs 15,000 each.

According to CAN, the estimated budget of the championship is Rs 2.8 million.