KATHMANDU: The third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) has officially kicked off at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur today. Prime Minister Balendra Shah inaugurated the tournament amidst a special ceremony.

Security has been tightened for the opening match in view of the presence of Prime Minister Shah. More than 1200 security personnel have been deployed as part of the security arrangements, while command posts have been set up in various sectors and more than 100 plainclothes security personnel have been deployed.

In the first match to be held at 5:00 pm today, last season’s finalists Lumbini Lions and Far-Western Royals will face each other. In this match, Lumbini Lions won the toss and decided to bowl first.

From the very first day of the tournament, the presence of world-famous international players and the competition between the defending champions and runners-up has created a lot of excitement among the cricket lovers.