The third edition of the Nepal Premier League got under way at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday, with Lumbini Lions winning the toss and opting to bowl against Sudurpaschim Royals in the opening match.

Lumbini are led by Nepal international Rohit Kumar Paudel, while national team all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee captains Sudurpaschim. Lumbini are coached by former India fast bowler Tinu Yohannan, while former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq is in charge of the Royals.

Eight franchises are competing in the tournament: Lumbini Lions, Sudurpaschim Royals, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Janakpur Bolts, Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu Gorkhas and Pokhara Avengers. The competition runs until November 21.

The opening fixture is a rematch of last season’s final, in which Lumbini defeated Sudurpaschim by six wickets to claim their maiden NPL title. The Royals finished runners-up for the second consecutive season.

Fans began arriving at the 12,000-capacity stadium more than 90 minutes before the scheduled start. Tickets went on sale online five days earlier and sold out within half an hour, according to reports.

Ahead of the tournament, Kathmandu District Police urged spectators to help ensure that matches were safe, orderly and respectful.

In a notice issued on Monday, police warned against illegal betting and gambling and asked spectators not to bring prohibited items into the stadium. They also called on fans to respect diversity, including differences in caste, religion, gender, ethnicity, geography, culture and tradition.

Police advised spectators to remain alert to pickpocketing and theft, protect their belongings and cooperate with mandatory security checks. They also urged fans not to crowd areas around the stadium despite the matches being sold out.