Oct 17, Kathmandu - Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Secretary Paras Khadka says the work delivered in the Nepal Premier League’s (NPL) first two editions helped convince the International Cricket Council (ICC) to approve the competition.

Speaking at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Saturday, Khadka said the ICC’s no-objection approval is valid for one year and brings added responsibilities. He believes the approval could help franchises attract prominent players from Test-playing nations.

Khadka, who also heads the NPL Governing Council, said CAN’s application allows franchises to register between six and eight overseas players. Previously, teams were permitted to include only six foreign players. The rules also provide for an associate-nation player to support the development of associate cricket.

Each team can field seven Nepali players and four overseas players, Khadka said. He hopes future ICC approvals will come sooner, making it easier for franchises to recruit players.

CAN must submit all required reports within 60 days of the league’s conclusion and apply for approval for the next season. Khadka noted that signing a quality player can cost franchises at least $2,000—an expense many teams are not currently in a position to afford. Still, all franchises are trying to bring in at least two star players, he said.

CAN is also working to bring in ICC panel commentators. A decision on introducing the Decision Review System (DRS) has yet to be made, though Khadka said discussions are at an advanced stage.

The association is planning further improvements to the venue. An ICC team inspected the ground a month ago as part of preparations for the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup, and CAN has upgraded facilities in line with its recommendations. Khadka said the ground’s spectator capacity could also increase, potentially reaching 12,000.