It’s official: the Decision Review System (DRS) is coming to the Nepal Premier League. In a major step forward for Nepal’s franchise cricket, the technology will be used for the first time in the league’s third edition, which gets underway on October 26.
The announcement brings an end to weeks of speculation. Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Secretary Paras Khadka had earlier said a final decision on DRS would be made within three days, and the confirmation has now arrived just days before the opening ball.
First time in NPL history
DRS has never been part of the NPL. In the first two seasons, the third umpire was limited to checking decisions such as run-outs and stumpings, while teams had no way to challenge on-field calls themselves. With DRS in place, players will now be able to request a review of eligible decisions, with technology used to check whether the on-field umpire got it right.
Ending the umpiring debate
The move comes after umpiring drew criticism in both of the previous editions. Questions were raised during the inaugural 2024 season, and the debate grew louder in 2025, when several close decisions remained disputed even after television replays. DRS is expected to reduce such controversies and give players, teams and fans greater confidence in key decisions.
A costly but important investment
Bringing DRS to Kirtipur is a significant financial commitment. Khadka had said the estimated cost of implementing the system would be around NPR 20 million (Rs 2 crore). CAN had also been testing and assessing available technology to make sure the system would be accurate and reliable enough for the tournament.
Another milestone for the league
The DRS announcement adds to what has already been a landmark build-up for Season 3. The ICC recently granted the NPL official sanction, giving the tournament official T20 status, meaning performances will now count towards players’ career records. Franchises are also allowed to sign up to eight overseas players, and big names such as David Warner and Andre Russell are set to feature.
With top international stars, ICC recognition and now DRS, the NPL is taking another step closer to the standard of the world’s leading T20 leagues.
The third edition runs from October 26 to November 21 at TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, with defending champions Lumbini Lions taking on Sudurpaschim Royals in the opener.