Nepalaya International is set to organise second edition of College Premier League as the U-19 Twenty20 cricket tournament travels across the country.

The organisers are expecting to get participation of more than 100 colleges in the tournament which will be held across nine cities—Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Bhairahawa, Dhangadi, Nepalgunj, Itahari, Dang and Birtamode—in the league-cum-knockout format from February 13 to March 13. Each city will see the participation of at least 15 colleges. The participating teams can only field U-19 cricketers.

Nepalaya has collaborated with National Sports Council and Higher Institutions and Secondary Schools’ Association Nepal (Hissan) for smooth functioning of the tournament where over 2,000 cricketers will take to the field.

Nepalaya Managing Director Subash Pradhan, a former U-19 international cricketer and wicketkeeping batsman, said the tournament will be of great help to Nepali cricket.

“Currently the country’s cricket board is under suspension. So cricket at the grassroots has not been possible. This tournament will definitely give exposure to a number of talents that we have across the country. We had initially wanted to hold a Super League tournament between all the city champions but that is not financially viable at the moment,” said Pradhan said on Tuesday.

Sanjeev Sharma, the CEO of title sponsors Expert Education and Visa Services, said their association with the tournament comes out as corporate social responsibility.

“We are hopeful that this could be a stepping stone in the domestic age-group cricket. This tournament will definitely identify a lot of talents and if any of them manage to get into the U-19 national team, then this association would be a milestone for us,” said Sharma.

Hissan President Ramesh Silwal appreciated the initiation from Pradhan, adding: If a good talent comes then I ensure that he will be looked after for further studies by Hissan. I can even personally take initiation for his future education.” The one-month long tournament do not offer cash prizes.