Changes aplenty in growing Everest Premier League

Building on its successes in previous years, the Everest Premier League has announced changes for its upcoming edition.

Moving from December to a start in late February, the tournament’s late morning starts will be played out in Nepal’s spring, a climate more conducive for competitive cricket. A final on March 14 also means the tournament will include three Saturdays, encouraging fans to attend the Tribhuvan University to watch in person.

For those unable to witness matches in person, organisers have pledged a slicker television production, in a quality unseen in Nepali sport. Discovery Asia-Pacific’s DSport is the rumoured channel to broadcast the event, though the tournament’s media release only specifies negotiations with a ‘foreign production company’.

The EPL’s quality looks to improve on the field too, with tournament rules mandating franchises to recruit an ‘Iconic’ player. This player is to be from a Test playing nation, which intends to raise the level of play across the competition.

The process of sanctioning the Everest Premier League has already begun, with organisers discussing their plans with the International Cricket Council.

Nepal will also host international cricket in the lead up to the 2020 EPL, with Oman and the USA visiting for a leg of the Cricket World Cup League 2 tournament.

Stay tuned for more EPL news as it comes to hand here at Emerging Cricket.