The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 match between Lumbini Lions and Chitwan Rhinos has been cancelled due to continuous rainfall in Kirtipur, Kathmandu. The heavy rain left the Tribhuvan International Cricket Ground unfit for play, preventing both teams from taking the field. Following the cancellation, Lumbini Lions and Chitwan Rhinos shared one point each in the tournament.
The match was scheduled as part of the third edition of the Nepal Premier League, one of Nepal's major domestic T20 cricket competitions. Fans were looking forward to watching Lumbini Lions take on Chitwan Rhinos, but the weather conditions disrupted the day's cricket schedule.
According to the match update, rain had been falling since Thursday night, leaving the ground completely wet. Despite the scheduled fixture, the playing conditions were not suitable for a cricket match. The decision to cancel the game was confirmed by Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) Secretary Paras Khadka.
Lumbini Lions and Chitwan Rhinos Share One Point Each
The cancellation means that both Lumbini Lions and Chitwan Rhinos received one point each from the abandoned match. In league cricket, when a match cannot be played because of weather conditions and is officially abandoned, teams generally share the available points according to the tournament rules.
For both teams, the shared point could be important as the Nepal Premier League progresses. Every point can make a difference in the league standings and the race to qualify for the next stage of the competition. Teams will be looking to collect as many points as possible from their remaining matches.
Lumbini Lions and Chitwan Rhinos will now have to focus on their upcoming fixtures and make the most of their remaining opportunities in NPL 2026. Although neither team could compete on the field, the points from this match will still contribute to their tournament campaign.
Heavy Rain Affects Cricket at Kirtipur
The Tribhuvan International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur is a key venue for Nepal's domestic and international cricket matches. However, continuous rainfall can create major challenges for cricket organisers, players and ground staff.
A cricket match requires a dry and safe playing surface. When rainwater makes the pitch, outfield and surrounding areas too wet, officials may be unable to allow play. Even after rainfall stops, the ground can take time to become suitable for cricket, depending on drainage, moisture levels and weather conditions.
In this case, the rain that continued from Thursday night left the ground too wet for the Lumbini Lions vs Chitwan Rhinos match. As a result, the fixture was cancelled rather than played under unsuitable conditions.
Weather interruptions are a familiar challenge in outdoor cricket, especially during periods of continuous rain. Such interruptions can affect the tournament schedule, team preparation and the experience of supporters who are waiting to watch their favourite teams.
Biratnagar Kings vs Sudurpaschim Royals Match Also Faces Weather Concerns
The second match scheduled for the day was between Biratnagar Kings and Sudurpaschim Royals. According to the announced schedule, the match was set to begin at 5:00 PM.
However, following the cancellation of the earlier match, concerns remained about whether the second fixture would be affected by the weather. Continued rainfall and a wet outfield could make it difficult for officials to prepare the ground in time for the evening game.
The actual status of the Biratnagar Kings vs Sudurpaschim Royals match would depend on the weather and the condition of the playing surface. Supporters were therefore waiting for further updates about the scheduled fixture.
The possible impact of rain on both matches highlights how weather conditions can influence the Nepal Premier League schedule. Cricket fans will be hoping for improved conditions so that the remaining games can take place as planned.
What This Means for NPL 2026
The cancellation of the Lumbini Lions vs Chitwan Rhinos match is a reminder that weather can play an important role in the Nepal Premier League. Teams prepare carefully for each fixture, but continuous rain can prevent them from showing their performance on the field.
For Lumbini Lions and Chitwan Rhinos, the immediate outcome is one point each. Their position in the tournament will depend on their overall results, points accumulated and the applicable league rules as the competition continues.
Fans following NPL 2026 can expect the tournament standings, upcoming fixtures and match results to remain important as the teams compete throughout the season. Any further weather-related interruptions could also influence the timing of matches and the overall playing schedule.
For now, the key update is clear: the Lumbini Lions vs Chitwan Rhinos match in the Nepal Premier League 2026 was cancelled because continuous rainfall left the Tribhuvan International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur unfit for play. Both teams shared one point each, while the day's second scheduled fixture between Biratnagar Kings and Sudurpaschim Royals remained at risk of weather disruption.
Cricket supporters will be watching for updates on the remaining matches, as teams continue their efforts to collect valuable points and compete in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League.