CAN is set to hold the event on the league-cum-knockout format in February next year as part of the main sponsor Nepal Telecom's anniversary celebrations. The NT is celebrating its anniversary on February 5.
CAN signed a three-year sponsorship deal worth Rs 15.5 million with the NT in April this year. As per the contract, CAN will have to organize the event annually with the winner bagging Rs 1 million.
CAN Secretary Uttam Karmacharya confirmed that the cricket governing body in the country is set to hold the tournament in February and it has also asked the departmental teams to release the players for the purpose. However, Karmacharya added that the final decision will be taken only after CAN's board meeting, which is uncertain.
“We are planning to host the tournament with lucrative prize in February and have also formally asked the departmental teams to release players,” said Karmacharya to Republica on Friday.
Meanwhile, Bharat Shah, who looks after Nepal Police's sports activities, also confirmed that CAN has asked the departmental sides to let the players play for their regional teams.
“Nepal Police Club allows players to play for other clubs if it helps in the development of sports and the players,” said Shah, who, however, informed that rules and regulations are also followed for the purpose.
Shah also said that the departmental team would have no objection if the decision did not cause any problems to the department.
The departmental teams will take part in the T-20 Super League cricket tournament to be hosted soon after the T-20 Championship. According to CAN Secretary Karmacharya, after the completion of the T-20 Championship, the Super League will be hosted, where top two teams from the T-20 Championship and three departmental teams will vie for the prize of Rs 500,000.
However, such a proposition is likely to create a conflict as players from departmental teams could also be in the regional teams finishing in the top two positions.
Although Karmacharya said that a final decision on the plans would be taken during CAN's board meeting, the meeting itself is uncertain following controversies over the election of the association.
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