Nepal’s quarter-final against Sri Lanka in Nagoya was abandoned without a toss, with Sri Lanka advancing under the tournament’s higher-ranking rule.

The win has increased Nepal’s chances of marching on to the quarterfinals against Asian powerhouses. The Rhinos face Japan tomorrow.

Nepal had lost to Afghanistan in the quarterfinals of the 2014 Asian Games in South Korea. Now, the duo come face to face after over a decade.

Reigning champions Lumbini kick off their title defence at Kirtipur, leading a 27-day fixture list that features 21 league matches and four playoff games.

Alongside Paudel, UAE’s Adeeb Usmani and Khuzaima Tanveer were also fined for breaching the code.

The former Australian opener, who has won the biggest tournaments in all three formats of cricket, will be debuting in the Nepal Premier League in its upcoming third season.

Aasif Sheikh’s brilliant 102 and a 44-run victory in Malaysia send the Rhinos to the 2027 Asia Cup in Bangladesh alongside cricket’s continental giants.

Nepal defended a low total against Oman in the semis on Thursday to set up a high-stakes final against arch-rivals UAE, with a direct berth to the 2027 Asia Cup on the line.

The Gorkhas inform that Shikhar Insurance will be their ‘golden partner’, and its logo will be displayed on the back of the jersey for the third Nepal Premier League.

Nepal have never won against Hong Kong in the tournament. On Tuesday, they fell short by 15 runs.

Hayat smashed seven fours and seven sixes in an unbeaten 117 as Hong Kong recovered from 133-7 to post a challenging total in their must-win match.

Saudi Arabia recovered from an early setback through Abdul Waheed before Nepal’s spinners triggered a late collapse; Gulshan Jha then sealed the chase with an unbeaten 44.

Waheed’s 77 anchors Saudi Arabia’s innings before Nepal’s spinners strike repeatedly; Nepal need 191 to secure a third straight win and a place in the semi-finals.

The skipper took five wickets for 14 runs as Nepal bowled Bahrain out for 87 in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup in Malaysia.

New Zealand all-rounder helped Janakpur win the inaugural NPL title in 2024.

With stops in India, Malaysia, Japan and Oman, CAN leaders insist structural changes in the squad are aimed squarely at qualifying for the Asia Cup and building beyond ODI status retention.

Praises pour in for Paudel as Nepal’s most successful captain is replaced by Sandeep Lamichhane, with CAN offering no explanation for the sudden leadership change.

Throughout the tournament, the team will have access to the hotel’s luxury suites, customised player-diet plans, and state-of-the-art wellness infrastructure.

Though official dates for the third season remain unannounced, NPL franchises are shifting into high gear, led by Pokhara Avengers’ double-act of Shakib Al Hasan and head coach Ajantha Mendis.

The upcoming edition will feature 10 franchise teams.