Nets Rs 20 million sponsorship for the next five years

Kathmandu, January 4:

Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) got a major boost in its endevour to revamp the Nepali cricket when it received a Rs 20 million sponsorship.

CAN also announced the introduction of the two-day format national league. The six regions will select their teams through one-day tournaments and the regional teams will play two-day league, said CAN president Binay Raj Pandey at a press meet. As per the schedule, the tournament will be held at Nepalgunj, Bhairahawa, Biratnagar and Birgunj, before all the teams come to Kathmandu for the one-day format national league, which is scheduled to begin on February 15.

The cricket’s governing body in Nepal succeeded in luring two big business houses into the sport. Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd and Standard Chartered Bank joined hands with CAN for the sponsorship of the tournaments for the next five years. The sponsors have agreed to give Rs three million per year and also sponsor trophies and dresses to players.

“The five-year sponsorship deal — cash and kind — is worth Rs 20 million,” said Pandey. Surya Nepal is the main sponsor while Standard Chartered is the co-sponsor for the both the tournaments, he informed. The agreement requires the tournament be named Shikhar Filter Kings Senior One-day and Two-day Tournament. “We are glad to announce our affiliation with two prestigious business houses,” said Pandey. He also thanked the sponsors for coming out to help the association in crucial stage.

Samindra Roy, vice president, Marketing at Surya Nepal, said: “We are honoured to be associated with CAN through this sponsorship. John Players of Surya Nepal had earlier sponsored the Nepali senior team in the ACC Premier League three-day tournament. “We are now taking another step forward towards promoting domestic talent under the banner of Shikhar Filter Kings,” he added.

Sujit Mundal, CEO at Standard Chartered Bank, said that the bank was committed to the promotion of youth and sports.

“Our association with CAN and Nepal cricket team exemplifies this commitment and our joint sponsorship of senior cricket team with Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd is also a testimony of this partnership,” said Mundal.