Prime Minister Balendra Shah will inaugurate the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Monday, his press expert Dipa Dahal confirmed.

Hours before the tournament began, Shah extended his best wishes to the players, organisers and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), describing the NPL as the country’s biggest sporting competition and a major sporting festival that has grown in just a few years.

“Warm greetings to all international players who have arrived to take part in the league and commentators. I wish all Nepali players, the organisers and the Cricket Association of Nepal the best for a successful tournament,” Shah wrote on social media.

The third edition of the T20 franchise league begins at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, on Monday and runs until November 21.

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The tournament has grown in stature over its first two editions, attracting internationally renowned cricketers, expanding commercial partnerships and drawing greater interest from spectators. This season introduces the Decision Review System (DRS), while the International Cricket Council has recognised the league’s matches as List A T20 fixtures.

The commercial stakes have also risen. CAN treasurer Padam Khadka said at a press conference on Sunday that the tournament, which runs for 26 days, is expected to generate Rs200 million from sponsorships and more than Rs700 million from ticketing and broadcasting. The association expects the league’s total turnover to reach Rs1.5 billion. The NPL recorded turnover of Rs1 billion in its inaugural season, with a more modest increase reported last year.

Franchise spending has risen alongside the league’s revenue prospects. Average expenditure per team, which ranged between Rs80 million and Rs100 million in the first two seasons, is projected to reach Rs150 million this year. The increased costs reflect higher spending on international players, expanded squads, accommodation and other operating expenses. CAN’s own expenditure is estimated at around Rs300 million, up from about Rs210 million last year, partly because of the introduction of DRS and expanded promotional activities.