DATE ANNOUNCEMENT OF EPL

After a successful season last year, EPL has already begun preparations and partnerships to make this year even bigger. Big names from world cricket have already confirmed their presence at this year's EPL and the franchises will start announcing their foreign players accordingly. The EPL organizing team is working hard on making it an absolute class event by adding elements from IPL and international cricket. We will be sharing the proceedings in the coming press meets. For 2020, EPL has been scheduled for February 29 to March 14.

The dates have been shifted from December to February to allow late starts to morning matches and also organize the event in more pleasant weather conditions i.e. Spring time. Moreover, the tournament spreads over 3 Saturdays, which we believe will make cricketing enthusiasts show up in large numbers. Correspondence with the International Cricket Council (ICC) has begun regarding the approval of dates and the sanctioning of event. We hope for the same cooperation and support from ICC, NSC, Nepali Media and Nepali Cricket fans as we received last year. The 2018 edition was big with over 100,000 spectators and 3 million viewers worldwide, lets all work towards making EPL 2020 even bigger! Some other features planned for EPL this coming season are described below:

INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTION TEAM

For the coming season of EPL, negotiations are in place with foreign production companies so as to deliver an international quality broadcast with the use of state-of-the-art equipment. Fans can be excited about witnessing the same broadcast level as in international matches for the first time in a Nepali sports event.

ICONIC PLAYERS

EPL has made it mandatory for the franchises to include at least one big name from international cricket as the Iconic Player. The Iconic Player has to be from a test playing nation and fans can expect some big names to feature in the coming season of EPL.

"Firstly, I'd like to thank all my partners, sponsors, franchises, media and Nepali cricket fans for their continued support. This year, EPL has been scheduled for February - March and the same dates have been requested to the ICC. It is our first priority to contribute to the development of cricket in Nepal and we are trying to incorporate international expertise, whether that is in ground operations, ground entertainment, or the broadcast to make the event bigger. The inclusion of Iconic Players shall ensure that some big names in international cricket feature in this season and the franchises have already begun with the necessary negotiations. The next season of EPL be a class-apart event and is sure to give the spectators and viewers a spectacular event, the likes of which they've only seen in international leagues. We hope that a start in the extra day of a leap year will prove auspicious and fans can enjoy more in the beautiful weather during spring time in Kathmandu."

- Aamir Akhtar, MD, EPL