ICC recognises NPL, NOC now mandatory for foreign players

The Nepal Premier League (NPL) has received official recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC). With the recognition, rules on player eligibility, anti-corruption measures and tournament operations in the NPL will be tightened.

Under the new arrangement, foreign players participating in the tournament must mandatorily submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective cricket boards. The playing activity of foreign players over the past six months will also be examined. Similarly, anti-corruption rules have been made stricter.

Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) secretary Paras Khadka said the work done over the last two editions of the NPL helped influence the ICC's decision. Khadka, who also heads the NPL Governing Council, said the form submitted for ICC approval includes a provision allowing 6 to 8 foreign players.

CAN said that with the NPL receiving official recognition from the ICC, the credibility of Nepali cricket has reached the international level.