A strategic partnership has been forged between Shine Resunga Development Bank and the Lumbini Lions, the province’s flagship cricket team, ahead of the highly anticipated second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The alliance, formalized in Butwal, aims to bolster team performance, player investment, and regional branding.
The agreement was signed by Lumbini Lions Manager Laxmandeva Acharya and Shine Resunga Development Bank Deputy CEO Lokraj Paneru, marking the beginning of a collaboration that blends professional sports with financial stability. Under the partnership, Shine Resunga Development Bank will serve as the official home bank of the Lumbini Lions throughout the tournament.
The second edition of the NPL, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), will take place from 1 to 27 Mansir (mid-November to mid-December 2025). The Lumbini Lions, who finished last in the inaugural season, are now seeking a turnaround, aiming to climb the rankings and challenge the reigning champions, Janakpur Bolts.
Manager Acharya highlighted the regional significance of the alliance, noting that Shine Resunga is the only national-level development bank established in Lumbini Province. “This local connection strengthens both the team’s spirit and financial foundation,” she said, emphasizing the partnership’s role in player investment and morale.
Deputy CEO Paneru underscored the bank’s commitment to cricket development, stating that the collaboration would actively support the players’ competitive journey while covering essential expenses such as salaries, training, and operations. Chief Branding Officer Prabhas Rai added that the partnership also aims to enhance branding for both the bank and the team, while promoting tourism in Lumbini Province by showcasing its cultural and historical heritage on a national stage.
The NPL features eight teams representing various cities and provinces, with marquee players like Rohit Paudel, the Lumbini Lions’ captain, leading the charge. This collaboration highlights the growing commercialization and professionalization of cricket in Nepal, with local institutions stepping in to support provincial teams financially and strategically.
