NPL 2026 Playoff Format: Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and Final

The NPL uses the same playoff system as the IPL, and it confuses a lot of people the first time. Here it is in plain terms.

Four teams, four games

After 28 league matches, the top four on the points table go through.

Qualifier 1 (17 November): 1st plays 2nd. The winner goes straight into the final. The loser does not go home, they drop into Qualifier 2.

Eliminator (18 November): 3rd plays 4th. Win and you live on. Lose and you are out.

Qualifier 2 (19 November): the loser of Qualifier 1 plays the winner of the Eliminator. The winner reaches the final.

Final (21 November): the two survivors play for the trophy.

Why top two is so valuable

If you finish first or second, you can lose a playoff game and still win the title. Teams in third and fourth have to win three in a row in five days. That is tough, especially if your bowlers are tired.

So when you see a team already sure of qualifying still going hard in the last league game, that is why. They are chasing a top-two spot.

Every game is in Kirtipur

There is no home advantage in the playoffs, because every NPL match is played at the TU International Cricket Ground. Every team knows the pitch by then.

Getting tickets for the big games

Playoff tickets cost more than league games and sell out fast. Our tickets page has the latest on prices and where to buy legitimately.

The road to the final starts on 26 October. Keep track on our match centre.