KIRTIPUR, October 31, 2026: The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 match between Lumbini Lions and Chitwan Rhinos was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Saturday after persistent rain left the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur waterlogged. Both teams received one point each.
The match was scheduled to begin at 12:30 pm, but ground conditions made play impossible. Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) secretary Paras Khadka confirmed the abandonment. Rain had been falling since Thursday night, leaving water pooled across parts of the ground despite the use of covers. According to reports, continuous rainfall prevented officials from removing the covers and beginning pitch preparations.
CAN vice president Roshan Singh said ground staff had been working since morning to drain the water. He also explained that water had entered the venue from outside, while drainage had been obstructed by construction work.
Sudurpaschim vs Biratnagar Evening Match Still Scheduled
The evening fixture between Sudurpaschim Royals and Biratnagar Kings was scheduled for 5:00 pm. However, the match had been delayed as officials continued to assess the ground conditions.
The fixture had not been called off at the time of the latest update.
The NPL does not have reserve days, and a minimum of five overs per side is required for a result. If conditions prevent a match from reaching that stage, both teams receive one point.
Lumbini and Chitwan Remain Unbeaten
The washout means both Lumbini Lions and Chitwan Rhinos remain unbeaten after their opening victories, but neither could secure a second win. Lumbini had defeated Sudurpaschim Royals by seven wickets in their first match, while Chitwan began their campaign with an eight-run victory over Biratnagar Kings.
The abandoned match takes both teams to three points from two matches. Karnali Yaks remain at the top of the table with four points from two victories.
According to the published fixture list, Lumbini are scheduled to face Pokhara Avengers on November 3 at 5:00 pm, while Chitwan will meet Sudurpaschim Royals on November 2 at 5:00 pm. The points figures above are calculated using the competition's published points rules and are not presented as an official updated standings table.
First League-Stage Washout in NPL History
The abandoned fixture marks the first league-stage match in the NPL's three-season history to end without a result. The final league tables from the 2024 and 2025 editions recorded no no-result matches.
With rain continuing to affect the tournament schedule, attention now turns to whether the evening fixture between Sudurpaschim Royals and Biratnagar Kings can go ahead.