The International Cricket Council (ICC) has sanctioned the upcoming Everest Premier League (EPL)—a city-based franchise Twenty20 cricket tournament scheduled for December 8-22 at the Tribhuvan University Stadium.

Tournament organiser EPL Pvt Ltd on Thursday informed that the world cricket governing body gave a green signal to the tournament after it forwarded the necessary documents and fee of US$20,000. The approval means the tournament will now see the participation of international cricketers. The international cricketers will need a No Objection Letter from their respective associations provided the tournament is sanctioned by the ICC.

“ICC has granted the approval bearing in mind the unique circumstances that currently exist in Nepal and because the league is in the interests of cricket in Nepal and the Nepalese players in particular,” read a statement from ICC representative Clive Hitchcock in a press release from EPL Pvt Ltd.

According to the new ICC regulations, ICC must approve any domestic tournament in the country whose cricket board is under suspension. Nepal is currently without a cricket administration after the ICC suspended the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) citing “government interference and unfair elections”.

The sanctioned amount acquired by the ICC will be used in the development of Nepali cricket once the board is reinstated. “This is great news not just for EPL but also for the millions of fans and we are sure that with the support of ICC, EPL will reach greater heights,” EPL Managing Director Amir Akhtar said.

The EPL will be participated in by six franchises including defending champions Biratnagar Warriors, Bhairahawa Gladiators, Lalitpur Patriots, Pokhara Rhinos, Chitwan Tigers and Kathmandu Kings XI. Zimbabwean allrounder Sikandar Raza, Ireland international Kevin O’Brien, UAE skipper Rohan Mustafa, Scottish batsman Kyle Coetzer are some of the big names confirmed this season.