Nepal cricket has taken another bold step onto the international stage. Janakpur Bolts, the inaugural champions of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), have acquired a franchise in Belgium’s upcoming EU T20 League — marking a historic expansion beyond domestic cricket.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 6 to 14 in Belgium, where the Bolts will operate under the name JB Bruges. Team owner Utsav Sigdel confirmed the development, stating that the primary objective behind this move is to create international opportunities for Nepali cricketers.
“We believe this platform will provide Nepali players exposure at the international level, while also connecting foreign players with Nepal cricket,” Sigdel shared.
A Major Opportunity for Nepali Players
A total of 16 Nepali players have been included in the draft list for the EU T20 League. Each franchise will consist of 16 players, including a mandatory four Belgian players, with at least one local Belgian player required in the playing XI.
The estimated investment of Bolts for the first season stands at around USD 1 million. The team will be coached by West Indies legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Under Chanderpaul’s guidance, Janakpur Bolts struggled in the second season with just a single win.
Tournament Structure and Participating Teams
So far, the confirmed teams in the EU T20 League include:
JB Bruges
Antwerp Anchors
Liège Red Lions
Franchises representing Brussels, Ghent, and Leuven are yet to be officially announced.
The tournament is being organized by Cricket Belgium in collaboration with Destino Legend Sports. The nine-day competition will feature two matches per day, followed by playoffs and a final after a single round-robin stage.
Star Power Adds Global Appeal
The league has already attracted several high-profile international stars. England’s World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan has been named the brand ambassador of the tournament.
Among the confirmed participants are:
Angelo Mathews
Wanindu Hasaranga
Faf du Plessis
Rassie van der Dussen
Reeza Hendricks
Tim Southee
James Vince
Alex Hales
With global stars, European expansion, and a clear pathway for Nepali talent, Janakpur Bolts’ entry into the EU T20 League represents more than just franchise ownership — it signals Nepal cricket’s growing ambition on the world stage.