Cricket
Persistent rain in Kathmandu has placed both Nepal Premier League matches scheduled for Saturday, October 31, at risk, although the league had not announced a cancellation or postponement when this article was prepared.
The official NPL fixture list still shows Lumbini Lions against Chitwan Rhinos at 12:30 pm Nepal time and Sudurpaschim Royals against Biratnagar Kings at 5:00 pm, with both matches at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. OnlineKhabar published its weather report at 6:00 pm NPT on Friday, October 30, after rain had continued through the day.
The report cited meteorologist Ujjwal Upadhyaya as saying drizzle was likely to continue until Saturday evening and that the chances of play were low. Nepal News separately reported the same risk later on October 30. These are weather assessments, not official match decisions. Supporters should therefore treat the listed times as the current schedule while checking the NPL and ticketing channels for a final update before travelling.
The playing conditions make the forecast important even without a formal schedule change. OnlineKhabar reported that the NPL has no reserve days and that two teams would share one point each if a match is abandoned without a result. Nepal News added that a shortened contest could still be played if the rain stops and the ground can be prepared, provided at least five overs per side are possible.
The outlet also reported that ticketing partner eSewa would issue refunds if a match is called off before the toss. Rain began late on Thursday and the ground was covered after Karnali Yaks completed their chase against Biratnagar Kings that evening. The covers protect the central playing area, but a start also depends on the outfield, drainage, visibility and the officials’ safety assessment.
For that reason, visible improvement in the weather would not by itself guarantee an on-time start. Equally, continuing drizzle does not automatically mean an immediate abandonment; match officials must assess whether a safe reduced game is possible.
Both fixtures carry early competition context. Lumbini opened their campaign by dismissing Sudurpaschim for 87 and reaching 88 for three in 9.5 overs, a seven-wicket win. Chitwan scored 157 for three before holding Biratnagar to 149, winning by eight runs. Sudurpaschim then responded by chasing Pokhara’s 145 for seven in 14.3 overs for a six-wicket victory.
Biratnagar’s second match was much closer: they made 186 for seven, but Karnali reached 187 for six with one ball remaining. Those official results leave Lumbini, Chitwan and Sudurpaschim with victories already recorded, while Biratnagar are still seeking their first win. Saturday’s results could therefore separate early leaders, give Biratnagar another opportunity to respond, or produce shared points if weather prevents a result.
That is analysis of the potential table effect, not a prediction about play or the outcome. The most practical conclusion for Nepal-based supporters is that both matches remain listed for 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm NPT, but Friday’s persistent rain and the forecast for continued drizzle create a genuine washout risk. Official league notices, the toss and the ground inspection should determine the final status.
Lineups also remain unconfirmed, so weather updates should not be used to infer selection changes or player availability.
Source publication date: 2026-10-30. Event or reporting period: 2026-10-31.
Sources:OnlineKhabar English, published October 30, 2026 at 6:00 pm NPT; rain assessment, reserve-day position and original featured photograph · Nepal News, published October 30, 2026; forecast, minimum five-over possibility and ticket refund information · Nepal Premier League official fixtures, checked October 30, 2026; October 31 opponents, venue and scheduled start times · Nepal Premier League official Match 1 result; Lumbini Lions beat Sudurpaschim Royals by seven wickets · Nepal Premier League official Match 2 result; Chitwan Rhinos beat Biratnagar Kings by eight runs · Nepal Premier League official Match 4 result; Sudurpaschim Royals beat Pokhara Avengers by six wickets · Nepal Premier League official Match 6 result; Karnali Yaks beat Biratnagar Kings by four wickets
Source: GPT News Feed
