NPL weighs DRS introduction after umpiring controversies in first two seasons

CAN is considering DRS for the third NPL season after umpiring controversies, with technology from two companies tested and the association assessing accuracy, effectiveness, cost and available review capabilities.

PUBLISHED20-SEP-2026 12:05 PM

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NPL weighs DRS introduction after umpiring controversies in first two seasons

Kathmandu, September 20, 2026 — The Nepal Premier League (NPL) could introduce the Decision Review System (DRS) in its third season, with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) assessing whether the available technology can provide reliable reviews within the tournament’s resources.

The NPL has faced repeated questions over umpiring decisions since its inaugural season in 2024. Controversial calls in the second edition, involving LBW decisions, catches, no-balls, stumpings and caught-behind appeals, have added pressure for a formal mechanism through which teams can challenge eligible decisions.

CAN secretary Paras Khadka said Saturday that the association had tested technology from two companies and was collecting feedback on their accuracy and effectiveness. CAN will decide on the introduction of DRS after evaluating the results.

Khadka also indicated that Nepal may not have the resources to operate the full DRS setup used at major international tournaments. As a result, the capabilities and reliability of the system available to the NPL will be important in determining whether it is introduced.

Umpiring concerns became particularly prominent during the second NPL season. By the sixth match, reports had alleged more than two dozen incorrect decisions by on-field and television umpires. Several incidents prompted questions even after television replays were reviewed.

In a match between Chitwan Rhinos and Lumbini Lions, Sandeep Jora was dismissed off Rijan Dhakal’s bowling after the decision was referred to the television umpire. Viewers questioned why a no-ball had not been called, with the replay appearing to show Dhakal’s front foot beyond the crease.

The same match also featured a lengthy review of Rohit Paudel’s stumping, which reportedly took around six to seven minutes. Chitwan players, including overseas cricketers, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision.

Further disputed calls came during the match between Sudurpashchim Royals and Kathmandu Gorkhas. Josh Brown was given out LBW, although replay footage appeared to show the ball making contact with his bat. An appeal for Arif Sheikh’s catch behind the wicket was rejected, while subsequent footage appeared to indicate an edge.

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Cost is another consideration. A DRS setup requires cameras, replay infrastructure, tracking equipment in systems that use it, technical personnel and television umpires. CAN will have to assess those costs against the accuracy and capabilities offered by the two companies whose technology it has tested.

The NPL’s planned expansion of broadcasting could also affect the quality of reviews. The third season is expected to be broadcast on Star Sports, Himalaya Television and Net TV’s streaming platform. Expanded coverage could provide additional camera angles for reviews, provided the necessary footage is captured.

A formal review system could also contribute to umpire development by providing officials with clearer evidence from difficult decisions for use in training and assessment. It would assist umpires on eligible calls without removing the on-field officials’ authority over the match.

At the same time, reviews can add time to a Twenty20 match. CAN would therefore need procedures that allow disputed decisions to be examined accurately without causing unnecessary delays.

The key test for the third NPL season will be whether any review system introduced can examine eligible close decisions consistently, communicate clear outcomes and keep matches moving. The umpiring controversies of the first two seasons have made that issue increasingly important as CAN considers the next step.