Gaurishankar Super League T20, a tournament for U17 boys, will see participation from 18 cricket academies. The tournament, which is being organised by the Dolakha District Cricket Association, is taking place in a league-cum-knockout tournament at Lower Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu from April 12 to 22.

Dolakha District Cricket Association is yet to be recognised by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).

“This is the second tournament we are organising,” said Bishnu Budhathoki, president of the district association. “We have been active in cricket and are in the process of getting recognised by CAN.”

According to Budhathoki, football and volleyball are the two dominant sports in the district. “We also want to popularise cricket here,” he added.

The 18 academies, including a team from the organiser, are being divided into six groups of three each.

Group A comprises Great Himalaya Cricket Academy, Gaursihankar Cricket Academy and Jorpati Cricket Club. CEC Kathmandu, Nexus Cricket Academy and Bhakatpur Cricket Centre are in Group B, while One Day Cricket Academy, Kings Cricket Academy and Fearless Falcon Club are in Group C.

KDCA 11, Himalayan Cricket Academy and Radiant Cricket Academy make up Group D, while Himalaya Sports Management, CEC Bhaktapur and Kshamadevi Warriors make up Group E. Baluwatar Cricket Club, Kathmandu Cricket Academy and Angels’ Sports Academy are in Group F.

The toppers of each group will enter the playoff and fight for the title.

Budhathoki said that they expect to organise the third tournament in Dolakha itself. “But at the moment,” he said, “there are no proper grounds in the district.”