Winner of the inaugural edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), Janakpur Bolts, have acquired a team in Belgium’s upcoming EUT20 League.

Team owner Utsav Sigdel announced on Tuesday that Janakpur Bolts will own JB Bruges in the tournament scheduled to be held from June 6 to 14 in Belgium. 

Sigdel said the franchise was secured with the objective of prioritising Nepali cricketers and creating international exposure for them. “We believe this platform will provide Nepali players with opportunities on the international stage while also connecting foreign players with Nepali cricket,” Sigdel told the Post.

He estimated an investment of around USD 1 million for the first season. According to him, former West Indies cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul will serve as head coach of the team. Janakpur Bolts had won the inaugural NPL season but finished bottom of the table in the second season under Chanderpaul, managing just one win.

Belgium Cricket has so far announced three teams for the EU T20 League—JB Bruges, Antwerp Anchors and Liege Red Lions. Promoters for teams representing Brussels, Ghent and Leuven are yet to be revealed. The tournament is being organised by Destino Legends Sports in collaboration with the Belgian Cricket Federation.

England’s World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan has been named the brand ambassador of the competition. Confirmed international players include Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews and Wanindu Hasaranga, South Africa’s Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks, New Zealand’s Tim Southee, and England’s James Vince and Alex Hales.

Each team will have a 16-player squad, including four Belgian players, with at least one Belgian player required in the playing XI. The nine-day tournament will feature two matches per day, followed by playoffs and a final after a single round-robin stage.

As many as 16 Nepali players are reportedly included in the EUT20 draft list.