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🏏 NEPAL PREMIER LEAGUE STARS FORCE THEIR WAY IN AS RHINOS NAME 24-MAN WORLD CUP PRELIMINARY SQUAD 🏏 Koshi Pride League Returns for Third Season 🏃 ROAD TO THE NATIONAL LEAGUE: Li-Ning Basket Ball Tournament Tips Off as 12 Teams Vie for Final Four Spots ⚽ Heartbreak at Dasharath: East Bengal Stuns APF to Clinch Inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship ⚽ SAFF Club Women’s Championship: East Bengal and APF Set for High-Stakes Final Showdown
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NEPAL PREMIER LEAGUE STARS FORCE THEIR WAY IN AS RHINOS NAME 24-MAN WORLD CUP PRELIMINARY SQUAD

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Sachit Subba

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Cricket

Koshi Pride League Returns for Third Season

23 hours ago

02
Basketball

ROAD TO THE NATIONAL LEAGUE: Li-Ning Basket Ball Tournament Tips Off as 12 Teams Vie for Final Four Spots

1 day ago

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Football

Heartbreak at Dasharath: East Bengal Stuns APF to Clinch Inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship

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Football

SAFF Club Women’s Championship: East Bengal and APF Set for High-Stakes Final Showdown

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Heartbreak at Dasharath: East Bengal Stuns APF to Clinch Inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship

KATHMANDU - Once again, Dasharath Stadium proved unlucky for Nepal, as the dream of winning an international title at home slipped away. In the final of the first SAFF Women’s Club Championship, Nepal’s APF Football Club lost 3–0 to India’s East Bengal FC, leaving 8,000 home fans in shock. The crowd in Tripureshwor was buzzing before the match, but defensive mistakes decided the outcome. APF fought hard, but three key errors led directly to all three goals for the Indian team. Mistakes at the back hurt the home team. East Bengal’s top striker, Fazila Ikwaput, scored twice and won the Golden Boot. The first goal, in the 21st minute, came after a defensive error. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/RQtR8geGmcFu3CWOBbIMZb1knLiV1BbmGhiO4jNt.jpg) APF left-back Manmaya tried to clear a pass from East Bengal’s Sarita Yumnam with a header but missed. Fazila quickly took advantage, and her shot deflected off APF center-back Gita Rana, leaving the goalkeeper wrong-footed as the ball went in. In the 35th minute, things got even worse for APF. Manmaya again had trouble clearing a corner, and Indian defender Ashalata Devi took the ball from her, drove into the box, and crossed it. Midfielder Silky Devi Hemam jumped highest and headed the ball past APF goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar, making it 2–0. A Nightmare Start to the Second Half. Any hopes of an APF comeback? The second half started badly for APF. Just 16 seconds after the break, any hope of a comeback disappeared. Goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar let a weak shot from Fazila slip between her legs and into the net. That soft goal ended the contest, and East Bengal controlled the rest of the match. They swept the individual honors as well. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/sjOHIFDNqgG6q4Qw6ukqgVnBSxhO3iDcyHUW9XpM.jpg) **Champions: East Bengal FC (Received $10,000 USD)** **Runner-up: APF Football Club (Received $5,000 USD)** Striker Fazila Ikwaput was the undisputed star of the tournament. With nine goals in just five matches, Striker Fazila Ikwaput stood out as the tournament’s top player. She scored nine goals in 5 games, earning both the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Top Scorer awards, along with an additional $1,000 USD and her trophies. Additionally, East Bengal’s Elangbam Panthoi Chanu was judged the Best Goalkeeper, completing a total dominance by the visitors. Transport United FC took home the Fair Play Award. For APF and their fans, it was a tough loss. They reached another final but missed out on the trophy again, learning another hard lesson on the big stage.
Football

SAFF Club Women’s Championship: East Bengal and APF Set for High-Stakes Final Showdown

The stage is set for a blockbuster finale to the SAFF Club Women’s Championship as India’s East Bengal FC prepares to lock horns with the host nation’s powerhouse, APF Football Club, this Saturday evening at the Dasharath Rangasala. The championship decider, kicking off at 5:00 PM, promises to be a tactical battle between the tournament’s top two sides. East Bengal enters the final as the league leaders, having remained unbeaten with 10 points (three wins and a draw). The hosts, APF, secured their spot in the final as the second-seeded team with 8 points, coming off two wins and two draws. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/DA91C1n5W4nFcG0W1yPiUu4M448sQ02Y5NppcQ1L.jpg) **East Bengal Eyes Clinical Edge** For East Bengal Head Coach Anthony Andrews, the primary focus leading up to Saturday has been converting dominance into goals. The two sides met just days ago in the final group stage match, a contest that ended in a stalemate after the Indian side failed to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities. Speaking at the pre-match conference on Friday, Andrews assured supporters that the team’s “finishing” issues have been addressed. “We do not view APF as a weak team. While the result of the last group match didn’t impact the standings, I am confident the team will put up a different performance in the final,” Andrews stated. “We know our weaknesses. The team morale is high. We created many chances previously but couldn’t convert them; in the final, East Bengal will create chances and utilize them.” East Bengal Captain Fazila Ikwaput dismissed concerns regarding the pressure of playing against a partisan home crowd. “Playing as the visiting team naturally brings some pressure, but East Bengal is focused on the game rather than the number of supporters,” Ikwaput said. “We have a strong opponent, and this is an excellent tournament. We will give our 100 percent throughout the game.” ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/tgM6GZ4tzTjxfUyNbQfNoACbNbLIscYAc92U9NTa.jpg) **APF Seeks to Break the ‘Stadium Curse’** On the opposing bench, APF Head Coach Jibesh Kumar Pandey confirmed that his squad is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge. Pandey acknowledged that his team struggled on the frontline during the league phase but used the two-day break to sharpen their attack. “There were problems in the team’s frontline during the league phase. We have trained specifically to fix this weakness,” Pandey noted. “Having already competed against East Bengal, we know what to expect.” For APF Captain Anita Basnet, the match carries weight beyond just club glory. She touched on the venue's emotional history, where Nepali teams have often faltered at the final hurdle. “We are representing the nation along with the club. Nepal has suffered defeats in many finals held at Dasharath Rangasala. Therefore, we are very excited to win this title,” Basnet said. Basnet also highlighted the broader implications of the final for the players’ careers. “Many are watching the players here. If we perform well, it opens doors for opportunities with other clubs,” she added. With both teams looking to correct past mistakes and claim regional supremacy, the final promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the championship.
Football

East Bengal Clinch Top Spot After Gritty Scoreless Draw with Hosts APF

KATHMANDU – In a tactical stalemate at Dasharath Stadium on Wednesday, Nepal APF Club drew 0-0 against India’s East Bengal FC in the final round-robin fixture of the SAFF Women’s Club Championship. East Bengal finished as group winners on goal difference, while the hosts settled for the runners-up spot. Despite the lack of goals, the match was a high-stakes rehearsal for the final, as both teams had already secured their places in the title decider before kickoff. **Missed Opportunities and Defensive Lapses** The first half was defined by a massive “what if” for APF. In the 40th minute, the home side was given a golden opportunity after a rare lapse by veteran Indian international Ashalata Devi. The defender lost her footing during a clearance, allowing APF striker Rashmi Kumari Ghising to pounce on the loose ball. With only the keeper to beat, Ghising hesitated inside the box and failed to shoot before the defence recovered. That moment likely would have changed the group standings.p up the pressure, searching for a breakthrough to silence the Kathmandu crowd. However, APF’s captain and goalkeeper, Anjana Rana Magar, stood tall, producing a series of crucial saves to keep her clean sheet intact. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/JMN0fxheSc3d6N0YFFesAC4xBBEihz1jX4SLsWYm.jpg) In stoppage time, APF had one last chance to claim victory and the top spot. Saru Limbu struck from distance, but the East Bengal keeper parried the shot to ensure the points were split. **A Strategic Draw?** While fans may have hoped for more clinical finishing, this match was a masterclass in defensive organisation from both sides. For APF, not capitalizing on Ashalata Devi’s error will be a talking point in the dressing room. Still, their defensive solidity against East Bengal provides a morale boost for the final. Watch, with the group stage formalities over, the pressure shifts to the final, where “almost” goals won’t be enough to lift the trophy.

Cricket

NEPAL PREMIER LEAGUE STARS FORCE THEIR WAY IN AS RHINOS NAME 24-MAN WORLD CUP PRELIMINARY SQUAD

NEPAL PREMIER LEAGUE STARS FORCE THEIR WAY IN AS RHINOS NAME 24-MAN WORLD CUP PRELIMINARY SQUAD

KATHMANDU – The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has started its final preparations for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by announcing a 24-player preliminary squad. The group mixes experienced international players with top performers from the domestic league. The tournament will begin in India and Sri Lanka on February 7, 2026. Nepal’s selectors have chosen a "retention plus reward" approach, keeping the main group that beat the West Indies 2-1 earlier this year and adding eight standout players from the recent Nepal Premier League (NPL). **Continuity Meets Form** The headline from the announcement is the preservation of the 16-man unit that stunned the West Indies in September and October. This decision underscores a maturity in Nepal's selection philosophy: prioritizing unit cohesion and rewarding the group that has already proven it can punch up against heavyweights. Key pillars of the side—including skipper Rohit Paudel, dynamic all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, and spin spearhead Sandeep Lamichhane—remain the first names on the team sheet. Their unbeaten run at the Asia-Pacific Regional Final in Oman, which secured this World Cup berth, has clearly put them in good standing with the bank. Still, the squad is open to new talent. The NPL has helped eight players earn a chance with the national team. Notable names include Binod Bhandari and Abinash Bohara, who impressed in domestic matches. Sher Malla and Basir Ahamad also join, giving coaches more options for the spin-friendly pitches expected in the sub-continent. **The "Group of Death" Awaits** This training camp is especially important because Nepal is in a tough Group C. They will face strong teams like England and the West Indies, as well as Bangladesh and Italy. To succeed in this group, Nepal will need more than determination. They will need to be flexible with their tactics. Adding players like Bhim Sharki and Ishan Pandey shows the team wants more batting depth to face fast bowlers. Bringing back experienced players like Sompal Kami and Karan KC gives the bowling attack strong leaders. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/DUJ6B5Q6GJL6FqohXndmAkEfea6IO17sTZ0tnPhm.jpg) **The Cut to Fifteen** The 24 players will now join a high-intensity training camp, where the group will be reduced to the final 15-man squad required by the ICC. Since co-hosts India have already announced their team, Nepal must decide on their final lineup soon. This will be Nepal’s second T20 World Cup in a row and their third overall. The team’s outlook has changed. After beating the West Indies and dominating in qualifying, Nepal is now aiming to make a real impact at the World Cup. **Analyst’s Take**: This squad is designed to compete, not just take part. The selectors understand that conditions in India and Sri Lanka will favor spin and technical skills. By mixing top NPL performers with the core group that beat the West Indies, Nepal is building strong competition within the team. Choosing the final 15 will be tough, but it shows how far Nepal has come in world cricket.

Koshi Pride League Returns for Third Season

Koshi Pride League Returns for Third Season

Nepal’s domestic cricket scene is growing, as Koshi Pride Pvt. Ltd. has announced the third season of the Koshi Pride League (KPL) T20. The tournament will take place in Sunsari from Fagun 9 to 21, which is late February to early March. At a press conference on Sunday at Hotel Royal Singi in Durbar Marg, organizers said the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has approved the event, and the Koshi Province Cricket Association will help with technical support. KPL Director Afzal Hussain announced that seven franchise teams will compete for the title this season. The event also introduced the ownership groups for each team, aiming to make the league more professional. **Franchise Ownership Breakdown** **The seven competing teams and their respective owners are:** **Namuna Blasters**: Dharma Neupane **Itahari Adarsha Giants**: Kalpit Dhakal **Birtamod Heats**: Anurag Pramanik **Purbeli Super Kings**: Sanjok Rana, Mahendra Mainali, Santosh Timalsina, Rabin Bista, and Sandesh Sindel. **Everest Thunders**: Aakash Khadka **BN Koshi Arnas**: Mohammad Seraj Ansari **Gorkha Avengers**: Bijay Khadka, Pujan Babu Bhattarai, Kiran Khadka, Amardeep Sapkota, and Raghunath Sapkota. **Squad Regulations and Financial Structure** The KPL has set clear rules for team rosters to balance star players and local talent. Each team must have 18 players, including one Marquee player, one Iconic player, three Draft players from the National Team pool, three Category 'A' players, two Category 'B' players, and one Category 'C' player. Organizers said player registration for the upcoming auction is now open through the MyPay app. The auction date will be shared soon. **Base prices for each auction category are**: **Category A**: NPR 45,000 – 65,000** **Category B**: NPR 25,000 – 45,000 **Category C**: NPR 5,000 – 25,000 **A Pipeline to the National Stage** Director Afzal Hussain spoke about how important the league is for the region. "I am optimistic that the KPL will make grassroots programs in Koshi Province even more effective," Hussain said. "I am confident that this competition will produce new players capable of reaching the Nepal Premier League (NPL), age-group squads, and eventually the National Team." **Official Endorsements** CAN Secretary and former national captain Paras Khadka attended the launch as the chief guest and strongly supported the private sector’s role in developing sports. "It is a positive step to see such tournaments aimed at professionalizing domestic cricket. I wish the teams the best for the third edition," Khadka said. "You are maturing your own private grounds to host this event. The Koshi Pride League offers a model for other provinces to host similar major leagues." Local cricket officials also talked about the league’s resilience and good timing. Chetnath Paudel, President of the Sunsari District Cricket Association and the event’s Technical Head, remembered how the region kept cricket going during tough times. "We have been organizing tournaments in Koshi for a long time, even successfully hosting leagues in Sunsari during the CAN suspension era," Paudel noted. "Hosting the KPL is a joy, especially given the challenges with the grounds in Koshi. This will help equip players and enhance their individual skills." Prabin Thapa, President of the Jhapa District Cricket Association, pointed to the "NPL effect" as a catalyst for local cricket. "Following the buzz of the NPL, many local leagues are starting up. Continuity is the biggest challenge, and achieving that is a great thing," Thapa observed. "The KPL also serves as a vital platform for talented players who missed out on the NPL to showcase their abilities." Tournament coordinator Govinda Paudel ended the session by saying the KPL is more than just a tournament. He said it is a place to find young talent that will help Nepali cricket grow.

"From Wooden Spoon to Gold: Lions Roar as Janakpur Plummets to 8th"

"From Wooden Spoon to Gold: Lions Roar as Janakpur Plummets to 8th"

KIRTIPUR — The Lumbini Lions have achieved one of the most significant turnarounds in Nepal Premier League history, rising from last place to champions. In a decisive final, the Lions defeated the Sudur Paschim Royals by six wickets at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Saturday, securing their first Nepal Premier League title. This victory capped a remarkable 2025-26 campaign for Lumbini, who finished last in the previous season. Riding a six-match winning streak, they defeated the Royals by chasing 86 runs in just nine overs. **Collapse of the Royals** The tone was set in the first innings after Sudur Paschim captain Dipendra Singh Airee won the toss and chose to bat, a decision that backfired. The Royals, runners-up for the second year in a row, crumbled under a disciplined and devastating bowling attack, folding for just 85 runs in 19.1 overs. Lumbini captain Rohit Paudel played a pivotal role, claiming a hat-trick that dismantled the Royals’ middle order. He dismissed Airee, Dipak Bohara, and Puneet Mehra in consecutive deliveries, significantly weakening the Royals’ innings. Paudel finished with figures of 3 for 12, showing effective leadership. He was ably supported by Namibian pacer Ruben Trumpelmann, who took 3 wickets for just 3 runs in 2.1 overs. Trumpelmann mopped up the tail and kept the pressure high, ensuring the Royals never found a rhythm. The total of 85 is one of the lowest in NPL history, a nightmarish end to a season where the Royals had otherwise been dominant. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/OClIBrgfDx5UNd0nnJ1NqBHWtIB7VofQfyOd2Uvm.jpg) **The Blitzkrieg Chase** Defending a total of 85 was a challenge, though the Royals briefly generated optimism. Hemant Dhami took two wickets in one over, dismissing D’Arcy Short (13) and Dinesh Adhikari in the fifth ball. However, the damage had already been done. The outcome was largely determined by Adhikari’s aggressive start, as he scored 42 runs from 13 balls. His innings, which included five sixes and a four, ensured the Lions surpassed 50 runs within four overs. With wickets including Short and Adhikari, the result was never in doubt. Captain Paudel (16) and Niroshan Dickwella (11*) steered the team home, with Dilip Nath hitting the winning runs to spark wild celebrations in the Lions’ dugout. This title win demonstrates the team's resilience. Last season, the Lumbini Lions finished last in the league. This year, despite early setbacks, they won six straight matches to secure the championship.The Lions demonstrated strong performances throughout their late-season surge, culminating in their most effective display during the final, which highlights their mental resilience. For the Sudur Paschim Royals, it is a bitter pill to swallow. Being the best team in the league stages makes this outcome especially disappointing. Finishing first but losing in the final for two years in a row may indicate challenges in high-pressure matches. Their batting lineup, usually a strength, could not withstand the effective bowling of Paudel and Trumpelmann in the final.

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