The much awaited Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 cricket tournament kicks off on Saturday with Biratnagar Kings facing Janakpur Bolts in the season opener at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Eight participating teams of the inaugural edition of the NPL—Biratnagar, Chitwan Rhinos, Janakpur, Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers and Sudurpaschim Royals—unveiled their captain at ‘captains’ media day’ in Kirtipur on Friday.

Seven teams announced their marquee players as their captains, while Janakpur opted for Anil Sah instead of their marquee signing Aasif Sheikh.

In-form Sah, who forms a strong opening partnership with Aasif for Nepal, said he will coordinate with Aasif in the team decisions.

“It does not matter whoever the captain is. I think they appointed me captain because I talk a lot with the domestic players,” said Sah.

Janakpur will enter the field under Nepal’s former coach Pubudu Dassanayake and will be confident, thanks to the signing of one of the biggest names of the tournament in hard-hitting New Zealand player James Neesham. Janakpur will also rely on the experiences of Lalit Rajbanshi, who will lead the spin attack.

“Janakpur is all set now…. and ready for the NPL,” Sah added.

Janakpur’s first opponents Biratnagar will be led by leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, while elegant New Zealander Martin Guptil is Biratnagar’s top international pick. Oman’s Aqib Ilyas and Canadian Nicholas Kirton are also set to light up Janakpur’s campaign.

“Our team is very excited about the NPL. The team bonding is also very strong,” said Lamichhane who has played for T20 franchises around the world including Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League 2018 and 2019 season.

Lamichhane, who is Nepal’s highest wicket taker in both ODIs and T20Is, hoped NPL to be even bigger in the next three or four seasons.

“NPL is like a dream come true for me because I always wanted our own franchise league.”

The biggest name of the NPL, perhaps, is former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, who has made Karnali Yaks a pre-tournament favourites. Karnali will be coached by former national team captain Gyanendra Malla and boasts a strong line up featuring national team regulars Sompal Kami and Gulsan Jha, Dev Khanal, former Hong Kong captain Babar Hayat and Oman’s Zeeshan Maqsood.

“The experienced international stars have made Karnali a well-balanced side…. and a top contender for the trophy,” said Karnali captain Kami.

Kathmandu Gurkhas, captained by Karan KC, have secured Netherlands opener Michael Levitt and Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus as their top catches. With key contributions expected from Bhim Sharki and Dipesh Kandel, KC believes their blend of youth and experience will make them strong competitors.

“Our coach Basanta Shahi has left no stone unturned in our training. Our preparation is very good,” KC said.

Chitwan Rhinos suffered a setback prior to the tournament after their big name South African Marchant de Lange was ruled out following an injury. They will rely heavily on their captain Kushal Malla and Namibian Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton.

“We have to perform better because the world will be watching us,” Malla said.

Loftie-Eaton broke the record for the fastest T20I hundred in the men’s cricket last year (now joint second fastest) bringing up his century in just 33 balls, eclipsing Kushal Malla’s record by one ball (currently fourth fastest in the list).

National team captain Rohit Paudel leads the Lumbini Lions, a team enriched by international stars like Australia’s Ben Cutting, USA’s Unmukt Chand, and Canada’s Saad Bin Zafar. The inclusion of Bibek Yadav, Surya Tamang, Arjun Saud, Sundeep Jora and Tilak Bhandari will also add dynamics to the team.

Paudel emphasized the team's thorough preparation and expressed optimism for the tournament's success.

“Lumbini have prepared well for the NPL,” said Paudel.

“The NPL should be a grand success,” he added.

Kushal Bhurtel takes charge of the Pokhara Avengers, featuring Dutch all-rounder Bas de Leede and Scotland’s Michael Leask, alongside national talents Aakash Chand and Sagar Dhakal.

“We trained in Pokhara. Coaching teams from India have helped us a lot,” said Bhurtel.

Nepal’s big-hitter Dipendra Singh Airee will lead Sudurpaschim Royals, whose squad include Aarif Sheikh, Abinash Bohara, Binod Bhandari, UAE’s Rohan Mustafa and Scottish Brandon Mcmullen as their key performers.

“The practice matches have been very helpful in identifying our weaknesses,” said Airee.

“Our preparations have gone well.”