Thousands of fans flocked to the upgraded TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur on Monday for the opening match of the Nepal Premier League’s second season, hailed as the ‘Festival of Himalayas’.

After a year and eight months without official matches at the stadium, spectators were treated to a spectacle under proper seating and floodlights, a far cry from the grassy slopes and minimal facilities of the past.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki inaugurated the event, and the opening ceremony even saw marigolds showered from a helicopter, setting the tone for a vibrant return of cricket to the capital.

Kathmandu Gorkhas claimed a five-wicket win over defending champions Janakpur Bolts, with Aakash Tripathi and Ben Charlesworth putting on a 70-run opening partnership to anchor the chase.

Here are some photos of the inaugural match taken by the Post’s photojournalist Hemanta Shrestha.