Minister Lamsal announces plans for 8 cricket stadiums in 3 years

Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Sunil Lamsal announced plans to construct eight cricket stadiums with floodlights and a minimum capacity of 8,000 spectators in major cities across Nepal within three years. The initiative aims to expand Nepali cricket nationwide, according to Minister Lamsal’s Facebook post on Monday.Minister Lamsal shared the plan on Facebook on Monday, coinciding with the start of the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). He stated that the stadiums would support a ‘home and away’ system for the tournament and urged the Nepal Cricket Association (CAN), Nepal’s official cricket regulatory body, to make necessary preparations to support the project.NPL third edition kicks offThe third edition of the NPL commenced on Monday and will run until Mangsir 5 (BS). The opening match features Lumbini Lions against Sudurpashchim Royals. This season, recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), will also mark the first time the Decision Review System (DRS) is used in the league.Prime Minister Balen Shah extended his best wishes for the NPL’s third edition and is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony.Cricket development in Madhesh ProvinceMinister Lamsal’s announcement is expected to lay a new foundation for cricket development in Madhesh Province. The cricket ground within the Narayani Stadium complex in Birgunj is currently undergoing upgrades. Additionally, the upcoming Prime Minister Cup 2082 edition will be hosted for the first time in Madhesh Province, with both the opening match and the final taking place at the Narayani Cricket Stadium in Birgunj.The Madhesh Province cricket team previously won the KP Oli Cup T-20 cricket final, defeating Tribhuvan Army Club by 11 runs in December 2024.Challenges and next stepsThe specific eight major cities where these stadiums will be built have not yet been disclosed. Furthermore, detailed plans from the Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) on how it will prepare to support this stadium construction project are still pending. Despite these unknowns, the three-year target for stadium completion is anticipated to elevate Nepali cricket to new heights.