NPL Season 3 Full Fixture: Complete Schedule, Dates, Venues and Match Details
Nepal's biggest T20 party is back, and every fan is asking the same thing first: what does the NPL Season 3 fixture look like? Who opens the tournament, where is it played, and what time should you be in front of the screen?
Here is the short version. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has released the official schedule. Season 3 runs from 26 October to 21 November 2026, opens with a rematch of last year's final between Lumbini Lions and Sudurpaschim Royals, and ends with the Grand Finale on 21 November. Kirtipur is expected to stay the home of the action. This guide lays out every match, the playoff dates, and exactly how to watch, whether you are at home in Kathmandu or living abroad.
Quick answer: The NPL Season 3 fixture runs from 26 October to 21 November 2026. Eight franchises play 28 league matches, then Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the Grand Finale on 21 November. The opener is Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals on 26 October. Matches are expected at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, with Himalaya TV airing them in Nepal and NetTV streaming them worldwide.
NPL Season 3 at a Glance
|
Detail |
What we know |
|
Tournament |
Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3, also called NPL 2026 |
|
Dates |
26 October to 21 November 2026 |
|
Opening match |
Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals, Monday 26 October 2026 |
|
Playoffs |
17 to 19 November 2026 |
|
Grand Finale |
Saturday 21 November 2026 |
|
Organiser |
Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) |
|
Format |
Twenty20, round-robin league plus playoffs |
|
Teams |
8 franchises |
|
Matches |
32 (28 league + 4 playoffs) |
|
Venue |
Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur (expected) |
|
TV in Nepal |
Himalaya TV |
|
Global OTT |
NetTV |
|
Ticketing partner |
eSewa |
|
Defending champions |
Lumbini Lions |
NPL Season 3 Full Fixture: Dates and Match Schedule
Good news: CAN has released the official NPL 2026 schedule. Season 3 opens on Monday 26 October with a rematch of last year's final, Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals, and closes with the Grand Finale on Saturday 21 November. In between you get 28 league matches across 17 match days, four rest days and a three-game playoff run.
Nepal Premier League 2026 fixtures: all 28 league matches
|
Match no. |
Date |
Fixture |
|
1 |
26 Oct, Mon |
Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals |
|
2 |
27 Oct, Tue |
Biratnagar Kings vs Chitwan Rhinos |
|
3 |
27 Oct, Tue |
Karnali Yaks vs Janakpur Bolts |
|
4 |
28 Oct, Wed |
Pokhara Avengers vs Sudurpaschim Royals |
|
5 |
29 Oct, Thu |
Janakpur Bolts vs Kathmandu Gorkhas |
|
6 |
29 Oct, Thu |
Karnali Yaks vs Biratnagar Kings |
|
7 |
31 Oct, Sat |
Lumbini Lions vs Chitwan Rhinos |
|
8 |
31 Oct, Sat |
Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings |
|
9 |
1 Nov, Sun |
Janakpur Bolts vs Pokhara Avengers |
|
10 |
2 Nov, Mon |
Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Karnali Yaks |
|
11 |
2 Nov, Mon |
Sudurpaschim Royals vs Chitwan Rhinos |
|
12 |
3 Nov, Tue |
Biratnagar Kings vs Janakpur Bolts |
|
13 |
3 Nov, Tue |
Lumbini Lions vs Pokhara Avengers |
|
14 |
5 Nov, Thu |
Lumbini Lions vs Janakpur Bolts |
|
15 |
5 Nov, Thu |
Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Biratnagar Kings |
|
16 |
6 Nov, Fri |
Sudurpaschim Royals vs Karnali Yaks |
|
17 |
6 Nov, Fri |
Chitwan Rhinos vs Pokhara Avengers |
|
18 |
7 Nov, Sat |
Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Lumbini Lions |
|
19 |
9 Nov, Mon |
Pokhara Avengers vs Karnali Yaks |
|
20 |
9 Nov, Mon |
Chitwan Rhinos vs Kathmandu Gorkhas |
|
21 |
10 Nov, Tue |
Sudurpaschim Royals vs Janakpur Bolts |
|
22 |
12 Nov, Thu |
Biratnagar Kings vs Pokhara Avengers |
|
23 |
12 Nov, Thu |
Karnali Yaks vs Lumbini Lions |
|
24 |
13 Nov, Fri |
Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Sudurpaschim Royals |
|
25 |
13 Nov, Fri |
Janakpur Bolts vs Chitwan Rhinos |
|
26 |
14 Nov, Sat |
Biratnagar Kings vs Lumbini Lions |
|
27 |
15 Nov, Sun |
Chitwan Rhinos vs Karnali Yaks |
|
28 |
15 Nov, Sun |
Pokhara Avengers vs Kathmandu Gorkhas |
Match numbers in this NPL Season 3 fixture follow the order shown on CAN's graphic. On double-header days, the match listed first on the graphic comes first here. The graphic shows dates and teams but not start times, so check CAN and the broadcasters for official timings.
Rest days
The NPL 2026 schedule marks four rest days: 30 October, 4 November, 8 November and 11 November. The league stage then wraps up on Sunday 15 November with a double-header, and the playoffs begin two days later.
NPL Season 3 dates for the playoffs and Grand Finale
|
Stage |
Date |
Match |
|
Qualifier 1 |
Tue, 17 Nov 2026 |
1st place vs 2nd place |
|
Eliminator |
Wed, 18 Nov 2026 |
3rd place vs 4th place |
|
Qualifier 2 |
Thu, 19 Nov 2026 |
Loser of Qualifier 1 vs winner of Eliminator |
|
Grand Finale |
Sat, 21 Nov 2026 |
Winner of Qualifier 1 vs winner of Qualifier 2 |
How the NPL 2026 Format Works
If you followed the first two seasons, you already know the drill. All eight teams play each other once. That gives 28 league matches. After that, the top four move into the playoffs.
The NPL 2026 playoff schedule and route, step by step
- Qualifier 1: the top two teams play. The winner walks straight into the final.
- Eliminator: teams finishing third and fourth play a knockout. The loser goes home.
- Qualifier 2: the loser of Qualifier 1 meets the Eliminator winner. Another knockout.
- Final: the two survivors fight for the trophy on 21 November.
How the points table usually works
T20 leagues normally give two points for a win and use net run rate to separate teams on equal points. Finish in the top two and you get two shots at the final. That is why the last few league matches often turn into mini-finals.
Five NPL 2026 Fixtures to Circle
- 26 Oct, Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals: the opener repeats the Season 2 final, which the Lions won. The Royals have finished runners-up in both seasons so far, so expect them to arrive hungry.
- 5 Nov, Lumbini Lions vs Janakpur Bolts: the two champions so far meet, with the Bolts winning in 2024 and the Lions in 2025.
- 10 Nov, Sudurpaschim Royals vs Janakpur Bolts: a rematch of the Season 1 final, which the Bolts won in December 2024.
- 14 Nov, Biratnagar Kings vs Lumbini Lions: the defending champions' last league match, which could still shape the race for the top two.
- 15 Nov, double-header on the final league day: Chitwan Rhinos vs Karnali Yaks, then Pokhara Avengers vs Kathmandu Gorkhas. The last day can decide who takes the final playoff places.
NPL 2026 Venue: Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
The NPL 2026 venue is expected to be the same ground that hosted the first two seasons: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, on the southwestern edge of the Kathmandu Valley. The 2024 final drew a crowd of about 14,000, and the ground is commonly listed with a capacity of around 25,000.
Why one venue is a big deal
The upside: one ground means simple logistics, one set of floodlights for day-night matches, and easy travel plans for fans. Teams also get to know the pitch and outfield well.
The downside: a single pitch takes heavy wear across four weeks, and a rain delay can push the whole schedule around. Expect scoring to change as the tournament moves along.
Tips if you are going to Kirtipur
- Buy NPL 2026 tickets early. eSewa holds the ticketing rights, so watch its app for sale dates. Prices had not been announced when this was written.
- Arrive 90 minutes early. Kirtipur roads get crowded on match days.
- Pack for the evening. Late October and November nights in Kathmandu turn cool, so a light jacket helps.
- Carry a valid ID and keep your phone charged for digital tickets.
The Eight NPL 2026 Teams
Here are the NPL 2026 teams chasing the trophy:
- Biratnagar Kings
- Chitwan Rhinos
- Janakpur Bolts (Season 1 champions)
- Karnali Yaks
- Kathmandu Gorkhas
- Lumbini Lions (defending champions)
- Pokhara Avengers
- Sudurpaschim Royals (runners-up in Season 2)
The player auction took place on 6 July 2026, so squads are largely set. Janakpur Bolts lifted the first trophy in December 2024. Lumbini Lions took the second in December 2025 after beating Sudurpaschim Royals in the final. Can anyone stop the Lions from going back-to-back? That is the story to watch.
Team-by-team fixture list
Every team plays seven league matches. Here are the Nepal Premier League 2026 fixtures for each team, in date order.
|
Team |
League matches (opponent in order) |
|
Lumbini Lions |
26 Oct v Sudurpaschim Royals |
|
Sudurpaschim Royals |
26 Oct v Lumbini Lions |
|
Biratnagar Kings |
27 Oct v Chitwan Rhinos |
|
Chitwan Rhinos |
27 Oct v Biratnagar Kings; |
|
Karnali Yaks |
27 Oct v Janakpur Bolts |
|
Janakpur Bolts |
27 Oct v Karnali Yaks |
|
Kathmandu Gorkhas |
29 Oct v Janakpur Bolts |
|
Pokhara Avengers |
28 Oct v Sudurpaschim Royals |
NPL Season 3 Match Timings in Your Time Zone
Nepal runs on NPT (UTC+5:45), so reading the NPL Season 3 fixture from abroad means some awkward maths. Season 2 used two daily slots, roughly 11:15 AM and 4:00 PM NPT. CAN's Season 3 graphic shows dates and teams but not start times, so use the table below as a guide and double-check once the official timings are announced.
|
Location |
If the match starts 11:15 AM NPT |
If the match starts 4:00 PM NPT |
|
Nepal (NPT) |
11:15 AM |
4:00 PM |
|
India (IST) |
11:00 AM |
3:45 PM |
|
Bangladesh |
11:30 AM |
4:15 PM |
|
UAE |
9:30 AM |
2:15 PM |
|
Qatar / Saudi Arabia / Kuwait |
8:30 AM |
1:15 PM |
|
Malaysia / Singapore / Hong Kong |
1:30 PM |
6:15 PM |
|
Japan / South Korea |
2:30 PM |
7:15 PM |
|
Australia (Sydney) |
4:30 PM |
9:15 PM |
|
UK (GMT from 25 Oct) |
5:30 AM |
10:15 AM |
|
Central Europe (CET from 25 Oct) |
6:30 AM |
11:15 AM |
|
USA Eastern (EDT until 1 Nov) |
1:30 AM |
6:15 AM |
|
USA Eastern (EST from 1 Nov) |
12:30 AM |
5:15 AM |
How to Watch NPL 2026 Live: TV and OTT Platforms
This is where Season 3 gets interesting. CAN sold the broadcast and ticketing rights for a combined NPR 335.3 million, higher than the previous season. Here is how to watch NPL 2026 no matter where you live.
Where to watch NPL 2026 live: television in Nepal, OTT streaming worldwide. [Test image: replace with real image]
NPL 2026 live streaming: platform names at a glance
|
Platform |
Type |
Region |
Status for Season 3 |
|
Himalaya TV |
Live TV channel |
Nepal |
Confirmed. Won linear TV rights (NPR 14.64 crore) |
|
NetTV |
OTT app / streaming |
Worldwide |
Confirmed. Won global OTT rights (NPR 18.04 crore) |
|
Star Sports |
TV channel |
India and other markets |
Aired Seasons 1 and 2. Season 3 is not confirmed, so wait for an official announcement |
|
DishHome Go |
OTT app |
Worldwide |
Streamed Season 2. Season 3 not confirmed |
|
Kantipur Max |
TV channel |
Nepal |
Aired Season 2. Rights for Season 3 went to Himalaya TV |
Note: Some websites already list Star Sports, DishHome Go or FanCode for 2026. Until CAN or the broadcaster confirms it, treat those claims as unverified.
How to watch NPL Season 3 from home in Nepal
- Tune to Himalaya TV on your cable or digital TV provider. Ask your operator which channel number it uses.
- Prefer a phone or laptop? Open the NetTV app or website and check the NPL section.
- et a reminder 15 minutes before each match so you catch the toss.
How to watch NPL 2026 from a foreign country
- Download the NetTV app from the App Store or Google Play. It holds the worldwide OTT rights.
- Create an account before match day, so you are not stuck on sign-up when the first ball is bowled.
- Check the subscription or pay-per-view details once NetTV announces pricing. They were not public when this article was written.
- Use a strong Wi-Fi connection. Live sport streams eat data quickly.
- Cast the stream to your smart TV with Chromecast or AirPlay if the app supports it.
Smart tips for streaming
- Stick to official platforms. Free "live" links on random sites are unsafe and often illegal.
- Regional availability can differ. Read the terms in the app rather than trying to bypass region locks.
- Follow the official CAN and NPL social pages for last-minute broadcast changes.
Expert Tips to Follow the NPL 2026 Schedule
- Save the NPL Season 3 dates first. Add the opening day (26 October), the NPL 2026 playoff schedule (17 to 19 November) and the 21 November final to your calendar today.
- Track the points table after every match. Net run rate decides close races.
- Watch the toss. With one venue and floodlights, the chasing side often gains an edge once dew arrives. It is a trend worth testing as the season unfolds.
- rust official sources. Check the official NPL Season 3 fixture on CAN's website and verified social pages before any fan-made schedule.
NPL Season 3 Fixture: Frequently Asked Questions
When does NPL Season 3 start?
NPL Season 3 starts on 26 October 2026 and ends with the final on 21 November 2026, as confirmed by CAN.
Where will the NPL 2026 matches be played?
All matches are expected at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, which hosted the first two seasons.
How many teams and matches are there in NPL 2026?
Eight teams play 32 matches: 28 in a single round-robin league and 4 in the playoffs.
Which channel will show NPL 2026 in Nepal?
Himalaya TV holds the linear television rights in Nepal for Season 3.
How can I watch NPL 2026 live streaming abroad?
NetTV holds the worldwide OTT rights, so its app is your first stop. Check for any other platform announcements before match day.
How do I buy NPL 2026 tickets?
eSewa is the official ticketing partner. Watch its app and CAN's pages for sale dates and prices.
Who plays the opening match of NPL Season 3?
Lumbini Lions face Sudurpaschim Royals on Monday 26 October 2026. It is a rematch of the Season 2 final, which the Lions won.
Is the full NPL Season 3 fixture out?
Yes. CAN has released the official schedule with all 28 league matches and the playoff dates, and you will find every match in the table above. The graphic does not show start times, so check CAN and the broadcasters for match timings.
Final Thoughts: Your NPL Season 3 Fixture Checklist
To sum up, the NPL Season 3 fixture gives you 27 days of cricket: an opening-night rematch on 26 October, 28 league matches, four rest days and a playoff run to the Grand Finale on 21 November. Add eight franchises, one big ground in Kirtipur and a broadcast deal that puts Nepali cricket on a global OTT stage, and you have a season that could crown a new champion or a repeat one. Save the key dates and sort out your streaming app now.
React to this post
Related Articles