Everest Premier League (EPL) Pvt Ltd on Tuesday announced its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the EPL Twenty20 cricket tournament, tentatively scheduled for November.

EPL is a city-based franchise Twenty20 tournament which witnessed a massive turn out in the previous edition last year. EPL Founder Aamir Akhtar and UNDP Nepal Country Director Renaud Meyer signed the agreement during a press conference on Tuesday. The agreement will result in promotion and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nepal through the tournament. SDGs, also known as Global Goals, are bold and universal agreement to end poverty in all its dimensions and craft an equal, just and secure world—for the people, the planet and prosperity—by 2030.

“UNDP is pleased to partner with the Everest Premier League for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Nepal. The sole motive of our partnership is to use the power of sports and in particular the popularity of cricket in Nepal to advance the SDGs. Sports provides not just a platform for advocacy and awareness, it is also part of our daily life,” said Meyer.

Akhtar said it was a great privilege to partner with one of the leading organisations of the world. “More than monetary aspect, the association of UNDP with Nepali cricket itself is a big thing for us. We are going to inform the ICC about it and hopefully have this tournament weighed in a grand manner,” said Akhtar.

Biratnagar Warriors, Chitwan Tigers, Pokhara Rhinos, Lalitpur Patriots, Bhairahawa Gladiators and Kathmandu Kings XI were the six city franchises who participated in the previous edition. While the tournament will see auction of cricketers, it will also include the participation of foreign recruits. Kings XI have already confirmed Ireland allrounder Kevin O’Brien as their new signing this season.