Kathmandu, October 24

EPL Pvt Ltd today signed the sponsorship deal with Jagadamba Motors Pvt Ltd for the Everest Premier League, a Twenty20 cricket tournament, to be held in December here at the TU Stadium.

Managing Director of EPL Aamir Akhtar and his counterpart at Jagadamba Motors Shahil Agrawal exchanged the memorandum of understanding amidst a ceremony. The sponsorship amount was not disclosed but Akhtar said he was happy with the deal and that Jagadamba Motors — the distributor of TVS Motor Company — would cover the cash prizes and other awards.

“TVS will be the title sponsor of the Everest Premier League and we are happy to get its support for the tournament,” said Akhtar. “We feel EPL has become strong after its association with TVS and both the parties will gain benefit from the deal. Most importantly it will help in the promotion of cricket in Nepal,” he added. “We are not in position to reveal sponsorship amount but it will cover the cash prize of Rs 2.1 million and an award of TVS motorcycle to the man-of-the-series along with promotional activities of the tournament,” added the former national team member.

Jagadamba Motors MD Agrawal said he was grateful to EPL for providing them with the opportunity. “We are thankful to the EPL for giving us the opportunity of sponsoring the tournament. We are eager to support cricket in Nepal and we hope this association will help in promoting the game in the country by offering opportunities to young cricketers,” said Agrawal.

Senior Vice-president, International Business, at TVS Motor Company, R Dilip said the event could be the real game changer in Nepali cricket. “We have been associated with cricket globally and this is just the beginning in Nepal. We firmly believe that EPL can be a game changer over a period of time,” said Dilip. “The deal best fits for both sides as TVS and cricket demand hard work and commitment.”

Kathmandu Kings XI, Lalitpur Patriots, Biratnagar Warriors, Bhairahawa Gladiators, Pokhara Rhinos and Chitwan Tigers will participate in the round robin tournament. The teams have already announced their marquee players, while auction was held on Monday with each side picking up 10 cricketers. Each side will have three foreign players, while all the teams will select a local player through talent hunt programme in their respective areas.