KATHMANDU, Nov 17: Nepal’s oldest franchise T20 cricket league Dhangadhi Premier League is set to begin its third season from February 2, 2019 as revealed in an official program held in Kathmandu on Friday. The league hosted by Dhangadhi Cricket Academy has retained Bijay Distillery as the title-sponsor for the second season in succession. The final will be played on February 16. 

All the matches of DPL will be hosted in Fapla International Cricket Ground, a dream project of Dhangadhi known as Dream Fapla, confirmed the organizers. Previously, the Seti Zone Police Ground in the midst of Dhangadhi city was used as venue for the league.

The president of DCA Subash Bahadur Shahi was upbeat on tournament to be bigger and better than the previous editions. “It is our responsibility to take the league to next level respecting the quality of cricket and interest of sponsors we get each year. The brand new season of DPL will be no less than a spectacle to remember for Nepali cricket fans,” said Shahi in the signing ceremony.

Shahi exchanged the memorandum of understanding (MoU) papers with the chief finance officer of Bijay Distillery Satish Karn at the ceremony held at Annapurna Hotel, Durbarmarg. Karn thanked DPL for providing another opportunity to continue its contribution in sports through the marquee league from far-western. An amount of NRs 11 million has been agreed for the third season which is the most invested by Bijay Distillery in sports event. 
 

Estimated budget for the third season of DPL has been allocated at five crores, two more than last year’s total expenses as informed by DCA. 
 

Ticket system will be continued as the league matches will cost Rs 50, playoffs will cost Rs 70 and Rs 100 will be charged for the final match. 20 percentage of money earned from the tickets will be sepearted for the Dream Fapla project whereas 40 percentage will be distributed among the participating franchises.

 Total of 19 matches will be played by six franchise based on different cities of Nepal. The local team Chauraha Dhangadhi has won the both previous edition of DPL. Sompal Kami led Chauraha led defeated Gyanendra Malla led Kathmandu Goldens in the final last year. 

Rupandehi Challengers, Biratnagar Kings, CYC Attariya and Mahendranagar United were other teams involved in last season. No confirmations have been made by organizers on how many franchises will continue participating in the league. Kings owner Paras Luniya had bought Pokhara Premier League team Biratnagar Titans which concluded couple of weeks ago.

‘Dhangadhi Cricket Award’ and ‘Arjun Khadka Smriti Award’ will be honored in the upcoming season of DPL as well. It will be provided to a former player and a person contributing for the development of cricket in Nepal respectively.  Former captain Raju Khadka and Coach Bhairav Aryal were honored with the respective accolades last season.

 
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