The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced that the first-ever edition of the Nepal T20 League will be played from September 24 to October 22. The matches will take place at Tribhuvan University Cricket Stadium, which hosted many international games earlier this year.
The four out of six franchises announced by CAN are Kantipur Capital, Biratnagar Superkings, Janakpur Royals and Lumbini All Stars. However, the names of the remaining two franchises have not been made public at the request of the owners.
“The owners of the two franchises were not available in the capital and we are unable to disclose their identity now," CAN President Chatur Bahadur Chand said adding: “They will be introduced in a few days."
Who are the owners of four franchises?
Mahesh Swar is the owner of Kantipur Capital, the only Nepali franchise among the four. While the Rajasthan-based Gold Sports Foundation owns the Janakpur Royals.
Diamond Digicap Sports, involved in the gems and jewellery sector, possesses the ownership of Biratnagar Superkings. All Star Sports, based in Texas, are the investors in the Lumbini All Stars.
Furthermore, Seven3sports has been roped as the commercial and strategic partner of the League for eight years. They will provide CAN 330 million INR over eight years, with an amount of 41.25 cr INR annually.
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Controversy surrounding Nepal T20 League
Earlier this year, organisers and owners of Everest Premier League (EPL) had filed a writ petition to stop the Nepal T20 league from proceeding as planned due to the International Cricket Council (ICC) not recognising more than one official franchise league in a country.
Four editions of EPL have already taken place since the inaugural season in 2016.