In Nepal Premier League, whoever plays best gets a car – valued around 6.2 million rupees – as their reward. Some say it’s the largest personal award ever handed out in any Nepali sports event so far.
Last time, in the Shahid Smarak ‘A’ Division Football League, the top performer got a vehicle worth 2.8 million rupees. On their own, para-taekwondo athlete Palesha Govardhan along with wushu competitor Vijay Sinjali received 6.5 million rupees from Nepal’s government – though that was due to medals they won, not prize money from any event.
Last Thursday, Nepali fighter Chandrabahadur Thapa grabbed bronze at the global boxing event in UAE – walked away with $75K (roughly 10.8 million NPR). Still, that’s foreign winnings. Back home, the NPL vehicle deal is now the biggest payout ever dished out.
–Who Are the Contenders?
Biratnagar Kings’ skipper Sandeep Lamichhane had solid odds – yet his side didn’t make it to the last match, which hurt his shot at winning. Usually, if you’re going to claim top player honors, your squad needs to get to the final round.
This time, the prize’s headed for either Sudurpaschim Royals or Lumbini Lions. On the Sudurpaschim side, top-scorer Binod Bhandari plus skipper Dipendra Singh Airee have a shot. Over at Lumbini, it’s their captain Rohit Paudel who’s in the running.
1. Binod Bhandari (Sudurpaschim Royals)
A familiar face behind the stumps who’s not playing for the country right now, Bhandari’s had another strong run lately. Thanks to his calm start, Sudurpaschim pulled off wins.
He’d made 264 runs before the final – second highest overall, top for Nepal. Only a single run away from hitting 500 in NPL records. Key moments? A solid 69 not out versus Pokhara, also smashed 63 when facing Biratnagar.
Bhandari smashed 23 boundaries and eight maximums across eight games, hitting at 111.39; his quick glovework behind the stumps adds punch. Should he deliver big once more in the decider, top honours might just follow. Tough form lately? Doesn’t matter now – momentum swings fast. One fiery knock could change everything. His timing’s crisp, footwork neat, focus locked. Keep eyes open when he walks in to bat – the game could flip real quick.
2. Dipendra Singh Airee (Sudurpaschim Royals)
The star player who leads the team keeps Sudurpaschim going. His efforts show up when he bats, bowls – also in how he moves on the field.
Airee’s racked up 154 runs, striking at 144.66 – five boundaries plus eight huge hits clear over the rope. Bowling-wise, he’s grabbed eight wickets across eight games, breaking through against top batters while keeping things tight at just 8.81 per over.
In the field, he’s taken 10 catches – second on the list. He snagged top player honors last season; this time around, a strong showing in Saturday’s final might just seal it again.
3. Rohit Paudel (Lumbini Lions)
The star player for Lumbini Lions hasn’t scored big knocks; however, his contributions along with guiding the side made a real difference. Following three back-to-back defeats, he sparked a turnaround – five wins on the bounce, securing a spot in the title match.
In nine games, Pudel made 260 runs – third on the list but second for Nepal. His top knock? Forty-nine, filled with sixteen boundaries and eight big hits, moving at a pace of 98.11.
If Lumbini take the title, Paudel’s chances for the car go way up.
NPL gives bikes to whoever scores most runs, grabs the top wicket count, or shines as a rising talent.
Avinash Bohara from Sudurpaschim might grab the car prize – if he nails his performance in the last game. His battle with Sandeep Lamichhane heats up as they chase top wicket-taker; Sandeep sits at 17, Avinash just behind with 16, and one match left to go.
In the run race, it’s Rohit Paudel versus Binod Bhandari – only four runs apart. Meanwhile, Basir Ahmad sits in ninth place, tallying 191 runs.
When it comes to “Emerging Player,” Sher Malla stands out – his results have been unexpected, way ahead of others. While competitors lagged, he stayed sharp, making moves that turned heads across the board.
Discussion about this post