KATHMANDU, Aug 1: The Governing Council of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) has made the financial report of the first edition public after a delay of 222 days.
The Governing Council faced criticisms for not disclosing the financial details even as preparations for the second edition were already underway. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on Thursday issued a press release revealing the income and expenditure statement submitted by the council for the inaugural edition.
However, the central executive meeting held on Thursday did not endorse the financial report presented by the council led by CAN Secretary Paras Khadka. A CAN member informed that further review has been proposed, and the report will be tabled in the next board meeting. A 15-day timeframe has been set for the review.
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According to CAN, it received a revenue of Rs 24.65 million from the first edition. The net profit generated was Rs 75.35 million. From this amount, 50 percent of the profit was distributed among the eight franchise teams, while Rs 7 million was given to the seven provinces. Following these distributions, CAN made a net income of around Rs 25 million.
As per CAN, the total revenue generated in the first edition stood at Rs 276.96 million, while total expenses amounted to Rs 201.57 million. The prolonged delay in releasing the financial report had led to criticism even from CAN officials.
Governing Council Coordinator Khadka has stated that the report will be formally presented in CAN's upcoming board meeting in August. The statement was eventually presented during Thursday’s board meeting.
NPL Governing Council to expand to five members
The governing council, led by Khadka, currently includes CAN Treasurer Padam Khadka and member Sudeep Sharma. Now, two more members will be added to the council. The expansion aims to enhance the effectiveness and accountability of NPL operations. CAN President Chatur Bahadur Chand and Secretary Khadka have been tasked with appointing the additional members.
The council will now become a five-member body. During Thursday’s board meeting, CAN also decided to suspend former Lumbini Province President Sanjay Gurung from all cricket-related activities until further notice.
The second edition of NPL is scheduled for November/December. CAN plans to conduct a mini-auction in August as part of the preparations. Franchise teams have already begun player retention and other related activities. There is also speculation that some matches may be held under floodlights at the upgraded Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground. Secretary Khadka hinted at this during a recent event.
