Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has instructed the National Sports Council to expedite preparations for the second edition of the Nepal Premier League, urging the sporting authority to work with a “team spirit” and avoid any political interference in the development of sports.

Speaking at the inauguration of the National High Performance Centre and Sports Science Research Centre at Satdobato, Oli stressed the importance of organising the second edition of the NPL, which is organised by the Cricket Association of Nepal.

The tournament’s future came into question after earlier directives—allegedly issued under the instruction of Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary—ordered a halt to ongoing preparations.

“The sports sector is gradually becoming an arena not only of national pride but also of income and enterprise,” Oli said, adding that stakeholders should cooperate with each other to strengthen Nepal’s sporting ecosystem.

Referring to his recent visit to Spain, where he toured the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Oli also announced plans to construct a 50,000-capacity stadium in Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur, noting that the current capacity of Dasharath Stadium is inadequate for the growing sports craze in the country.

In a separate directive, Oli ordered the NSC to ensure the 10th National Games are held as scheduled from November 18 to 25 in Birendranagar, Surkhet.

Oli warned that any further delay would amount to “a matter of national embarrassment.”