The Nepal Premier League (NPL) auction concluded with 12 Category A players fetching the maximum bid of NPR 1.5 million each. Anil Sah and Gulsan Jha emerged as standout attractions, with fierce competition among teams for their signatures. Sah was eventually secured by Janakpur Bolts through a lucky draw after multiple teams showed interest in the wicketkeeper-batter.
Known for his strong performances with the national team, Sah will pair with Aasif Sheikh, Janakpur’s marquee player, in the opening order. Similarly, all-rounder Gulsan Jha, a rising star in Nepal’s cricket scene, joined Karnali Yaks for the same top price. Karnali also secured Dev Khanal for NPR 1 million and boasts Sompal Kami as their marquee player.
Big Spenders and Strategic Buys
The auction featured players categorized into A, B, and C, with distinct base prices and spending ceilings. Category A players had a price range of NPR 1–1.5 million, while Categories B and C were capped at NPR 1 million and NPR 500,000, respectively. Teams had to acquire three A-category players, four B-category players, and three from Category C, alongside their preselected marquee players. Lumbini Lions emerged as the biggest spenders, allocating NPR 8.475 million, securing top performers like Surya Tamang, Bibek Yadav, and Sundeep Jora.
Close behind were Pokhara Avengers, spending NPR 8.050 million to acquire talents such as Sagar Dhakal, Aakash Chand, and Dilip Nath. Meanwhile, Chitwan Rhinos, with the lowest spending of NPR 6.3 million, still managed strategic acquisitions, including Rijan Dhakal and Kushal Malla as their marquee player.
A Glimpse at the Upcoming Tournament
The inaugural NPL, set for November 30 to December 21 in Kathmandu, will see eight teams battling for supremacy. Each team’s roster will include players selected through talent hunts and foreign signings, bringing an international flavor to the competition. Notable purchases also included Aakash Tripathi, who fetched NPR 1 million after intense bidding.
Despite some players like Hemant Dhami and Suman Gautam being sold for base prices, the auction underscored the growing competitiveness of Nepal’s cricket. Fans eagerly await the action-packed league, which is poised to elevate the country’s cricketing landscape.
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