Pokhara Premier League (PPL), the city-based franchise Twenty20 cricket tournament which kicks off on October 26 in Pokhara, has become the highest cash-prized tournament of the country. On Tuesday, organisers Queen’s Event Management Pvt Ltd announced that the champions of the tournament will receive a cash purse of Rs 2.7 million. The amount surpasses the previous highest pay cheque provided by the Dhangadhi Premier League (DPL). While DPL champions Team Chauraha Dhangadhi pocketed Rs 2.5 million, Everest Premier League (EPL) winners Biratnagar Warriors took home Rs 2 million.

The runners-up of the PPL will collect Rs 1 million, while three best players of the tournament—man-of-the-series, best batsman and bowler—will get Suzuki Gixxer 155cc motorcycle each from VG Automobiles, the official distributors of Suzuki motors in Nepal. Each man-of-the-match will also earn Rs 10,000 and gift vouchers worth Rs 5,000. Additionally, every team will be provided with a winning bonus of Rs 15,500.

Meanwhile, Queen’s Event signed title sponsorship agreement with Namaste lager beer and the tournament will now be named Namaste Pokhara Premier League. The details of the agreement between the two parties were not disclosed. PPL is country’s third city-based franchise Twenty20 tournament after DPL and EPL.

Chitwan Rhinos, Pokhara Paltan, Biratnagar Titans, Kathmandu Royals, Dhangadhi Blues and Butwal Blasters are the six teams competing in the 12-day long event. On the opening day, Sandeep Lamichhane’s Biratnagar Titans will take on Sharad Vesawkar’s Pokhara Paltan.