Controversy Surrounds Ownership of Nepal Premier League: Aamir Akhtar Claims Rights
The Nepal Premier League (NPL), one of the most anticipated cricket leagues in Nepal, is facing a major controversy ahead of its inaugural season. Aamir Akhtar, a prominent figure in Nepali cricket, has submitted a seven-point notice to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), claiming ownership of the NPL. In the notice, Akhtar asserts that he holds all the rights to the league, raising questions about its leadership and future.
The Nepal Premier League 2024 is scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 21 in Kathmandu, and with this new development, the league’s ownership and governance are now under scrutiny. The situation has left many wondering how it will affect the upcoming season, with franchises and players looking to get involved.
NPL 2024 Teams and Squads
Here’s a look at the teams and squads for the Nepal Premier League 2024:
- Biratnagar Kings
- Owner: Paras Luniya (former Nepali cricket player)
- Marquee Player: Sandeep Lamichhane
- Total Spent: NRs 6,650,000
- Key Signings: Lokesh Bam, Pratish GC, Bashir Ahmad
- Chitwan Rhinos
- Owner: Chitwan Medical College
- Marquee Player: Kushal Malla
- Coach: Umesh Patwal
- Total Spent: NRs 6,300,000
- Key Signings: Rijan Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee, Sharad Vesawkar
- Janakpur Bolts
- Owner: Amit Shrestha
- Marquee Player: Aasif Sheikh
- Total Spent: NRs 7,925,000
- Key Signings: Lalit Rajbanshi, Anil Kumar Sah, Rupesh K Singh
- Karnali Yaks
- Owners: Grihendra Ghimire and Jhanakdatta Khanal
- Marquee Player: Sompal Kami
- Coach: Gyanendra Malla
- Total Spent: NRs 7,400,000
- Key Signings: Gulshan Kumar Jha, Nandan Yadav, Mausam Dhakal
- Kathmandu Gurkhas
- Owner: Kathmandu Sports Development Ventures (Kailash Sirohiya, Upendra Mahato, Arun Sarraf)
- Marquee Player: Karan KC
- Coach: Basanta Shahi
- Total Spent: NRs 7,050,000
- Key Signings: Shahab Alam, Bhim Sharki, Rashid Khan
- Lumbini Lions
- Owner: Ishwor GC
- Marquee Player: Rohit Kumar Paudel
- Total Spent: NRs 8,475,000
- Key Signings: Surya Tamang, Bibek Yadav, Sundeep Jora
- Pokhara Avengers
- Owner: Nepal T20 Pvt. Ltd. (Subodh Tripathi and Manobal Shrestha)
- Marquee Player: Kushal Bhurtel
- Total Spent: NRs 8,050,000
- Key Signings: Sagar Dhakal, Akash Chand, Kiran Kumar Thagunna
- Sudurpaschim Royals
- Marquee Player: Dipendra Singh Airee
- Total Spent: NRs 7,400,000
- Key Signings: Md Aarif Sheikh, Abinash Bohara, Binod Bhandari
With the NPL 2024 fast approaching, the league is shaping up to be an exciting event for Nepali cricket. However, with the ongoing ownership dispute between Aamir Akhtar and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether it will affect the league’s smooth running.