Warning of EPL franchise teams to boycott CAN
Kathmandu: Stating that the Cricket Association OF Nepal (CAN) has not given its approval for the fifth edition of the Everest Premier League (EPL).
The owners of the EPL franchise team have warned not to cooperate in other competitions organized by CAN.
Five of the six franchise team owners were present at the press conference held by EPL Prali on Monday.
They all expressed concern over the devaluation of CAN’s contribution to the upliftment of players in the difficult situation of Nepal cricket up to four editions.
CAN had announced last week that it would host the Nepal T20 League Cricket in September.
The EPL organizers are shocked after it was made clear that no franchise competition other than Nepal T20 League will be organized in the program.
“We will never oppose a competition organized by CAN itself,” EPL director Amir Akhtar told a news conference on Monday.
Our demand is that the competition, which has been organized up to four editions, should be allowed to continue. When there is more than one competition in the country, the players will benefit. ‘
He recalled that he had organized EPL during the suspension of Nepali cricket and contributed for the development of cricket and the upliftment of the players. EPL has been organized since 2016.
Along with EPL, Dhangadhi Premier League and Pokhara Premier League, three franchise T20 cricket tournaments are being organized in the country.
Kishor Maharjan, owner of EPL franchise team Lalitpur Patriots, who was present at the press conference, said that he was saddened by CAN’s decision.
“We have not invested in cricket in the hope of immediate returns. It was support for his favorite sport, “said Maharjan.”
In five or seven years, we have invested millions. We’re concerned that our goal of operating it longer and reaching greater heights is being pushed. “
Kishor Bhattarai, owner of Chitwan Tigers, winner of the fourth edition of EPL, said that it was a matter of justice for Nepali sports.
“Sports strategy has changed in Nepal with the change of leadership. As a result, the private sector is skeptical.
Why should private companies invest in sports when CAN has made such a decision without consulting us even once? The question has been raised, ‘Bhattarai said at a press conference.
A press statement signed by the owners of all the six teams, including EPL president Akhtar, stated that all private organizations affiliated to the competition would boycott all competitions organized by CAN if the EPL project was not approved.
It has already been announced that the fifth edition of the EPL will be held in October.
