AGP Executive Report

Nepal Premier League: Season three starts today in Kirtipur, with David Warner, Shakib Al Hasan and other international stars joining Nepali players. ICC recognition makes its matches official T20 records for the first time, while DRS and a Rs15 million winners’ prize raise the stakes. Organisers project Rs1.5 billion in transactions, even as questions about financial transparency persist; Pakistani players’ participation remains uncertain over pending NOCs. Nepali Music: “Gorkhe Khukuri,” sung by Shantishree Pariyar and Nishchal Dawadi, has passed 100 million YouTube views. “Kutuma Kutuma” leads the list of most-viewed Nepali songs, with more than 244 million. Film and Production: Nepali producer and visual storyteller Gautam Dhimal is taking international advertising and film productions into the Himalayas, navigating the challenges of remote locations and high-altitude shoots. Taekwondo: Vaibhavi Sapkota won silver in both Poomsae and Kyorugi at Thailand’s 14th Royal Princess Cup.

Nepali Cricket: NPL Season 3’s winning team will receive Rs15 million, up from Rs10 million. ICC recognition also means players’ performances will count in official T20 records. Fashion: Nepali designer Sonya Gurung joined international and local creatives at Doha Fashion Summit, which showcased talent from eight countries. Film: Nepal-set documentary Mustang shared the audience award at the Rome Film Fest. Apple TV’s Tenzing is also drawing attention to Sherpa contributions to Everest’s first ascent. Arts & Culture: Folk singer Dikra Badi’s journey from hardship in Bajura to becoming a pioneering Thadi Bhaka and Deuda recording artist spotlights Sudurpaschim’s musical heritage. Nepali Cinema: Veteran actor Subhas Gajurel, despite four decades of work across films, television and theatre, says he still lives in rented rooms. Nepal has also denied screening permission to Bollywood film Udta Teer.

Film Festival: Nepal-set documentary Mustang shared the audience award at the Rome Film Fest, bringing a Himalayan story to an international audience. Fashion: Nepali designer Sonya Gurung was among the participants at Doha Fashion Summit, which showcased designers from around the world. On Screen: Apple TV’s Tenzing spotlights Tenzing Norgay and the Sherpa expertise behind Everest’s historic ascent, while a review praises Genden Phuntsok’s lead performance. Cinema Row: Nepal has denied public screening permission for Bollywood film Udta Teer, with reports pointing to its India-Pakistan connection and cinema law. Nepali Arts: Folk singer Dikra Badi’s journey from poverty to becoming a pioneering Deuda and Thadi Bhaka recording artist highlights the traditions of Sudurpaschim. veteran actor Subhas Gajurel’s four-decade career also draws attention to the financial struggles many Nepali performers face.

Nepali Acting: After four decades and more than 200 films, actor Subhas Gajurel still lives in rented rooms, highlighting the financial struggles behind a celebrated career. Folk Music: Sudurpaschim singer Dikra Badi’s journey from poverty to becoming a leading voice in Thadi Bhaka and Deuda spotlights the traditions she helped bring to wider audiences. Cultural Heritage: Danuwar residents of Dukuchhap are working to preserve their identity as migration, changing lifestyles and social media reshape community traditions. Film & Festivals: Nepal has denied screening permission to Bollywood spy comedy Udta Teer under cinema law; meanwhile, Kathmandu Metropolitan City has partnered with organisations for the Kathmandu Film Festival.

Nepal Premier League: The third season starts October 26 in Kirtipur, with ICC List A T20 status and DRS among the upgrades. Sandeep Lamichhane’s Biratnagar Kings have signed stars including Andre Russell and Angelo Mathews. Film: Nepal has denied Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s spy comedy Udta Teer permission to screen, citing restrictions under the cinema law. Nepali Cinema Abroad: Nepal’s Oscar submission is among the films heading to Tokyo Filmex, bringing the country’s cinema to an international competition. Streaming: JioHotstar has launched in Nepal through a partnership with DGO, expanding access to premium online content. Women’s Cricket: Nepal and Bangladesh will co-host the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2027, with matches scheduled in Nepal, including India’s opening campaign in Kirtipur.

Nepal Premier League: The third season begins in Kathmandu on October 26, with DRS making its debut and ICC List A status boosting the league’s profile. Karnali Yaks have signed Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan, while Pokhara Avengers added Bangladesh all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin. Women’s Cricket: Nepal will co-host the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup with Bangladesh from January 21 to February 6. Nepal is in Group A with India, Ireland and West Indies, and opens against Ireland in Kathmandu on January 22. Film: Nepal has denied screening permission to Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s spy comedy Udta Teer, citing restrictions under the cinema law. Culture on Screen: Apple TV’s new film Tenzing revisits Tenzing Norgay’s historic Everest ascent and the often-overlooked Sherpa contribution. Table Tennis: Veteran Nabita Shrestha, a nine-time consecutive national champion, says she is still aiming to raise Nepal’s international standing and qualify for the Olympics.

Nepal Premier League: Lumbini Lions have signed US all-rounder Shadley van Schalkwyk, while Biratnagar Kings have recruited former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews. The ICC has also recognized every NPL match as a List A T20 event, boosting the league’s profile ahead of its October 26 start. Film Release: Nepal has denied screening permission for Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s spy comedy Udta Teer. The reported decision cites a violation of cinema law but gives no details; the film is scheduled to release elsewhere on October 23. Women’s Cricket: Nepal will host 15 matches in the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted with Bangladesh from January 21 to February 6. Nepal opens against Ireland, while India begins its title defence against West Indies in Kathmandu. Music: Singer Eden Samara says hiking Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit helped her find direction while working on her second album, Odyssey.

Film Release Row: Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s Udta Teer promotion at the Wagah border was drowned out by Atif Aslam’s music, as Nepal’s ban on the film continues to draw attention. The censor board denied public screening permission, citing cinema law without specifying the objectionable material. Nepali Cinema: Kathmandu Metropolitan City has partnered with organisations for the Kathmandu Film Festival, while Cinemaghar’s Dashain-Tihar programme is showcasing eight Nepali films. International Spotlight: A Nepal film is among Oscar entries heading to Tokyo Filmex competition, bringing fresh attention to the country’s filmmakers. Streaming: JioHotstar has entered Nepal through a partnership with DGO, expanding access to premium content as local platforms face piracy and payment hurdles.

Cricket on Home Soil: Nepal will co-host the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup with Bangladesh from January 21 to February 6. Nepal opens against Ireland in Kirtipur on January 22, the same day defending champions India face the West Indies. The ICC has also granted List A T20 status to every match in the Nepal Premier League’s upcoming season. Film Release Blocked: Nepal has denied screening permission to Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s Udta Teer, citing provisions of the cinema law; reports say its India-Pakistan storyline prompted the decision. Nepali Cinema Abroad: Abinash Bikram Shah’s Elephants in the Fog, Nepal’s Oscar submission, is among the films competing at Tokyo Filmex in November, following its Cannes jury prize. Dashain Memories: A reflection on the festival recalls childhood rituals, village gatherings and family reunions, capturing how Dashain keeps its emotional pull across generations.

Women’s Cricket: Nepal will co-host the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup with Bangladesh from January 21 to February 6. Kathmandu’s TU International Cricket Stadium and Upper Mulpani ground are among four venues; Nepal opens against Ireland on January 22. Film Censorship: Nepal has blocked the October 23 release of Bollywood spy comedy Udta Teer. The censor board cited restrictions under the National Cinema Act; reports say the India-Pakistan storyline was a concern. Nepali Cinema Abroad: Elephants in the Fog, Nepal’s Oscar submission, will compete at Tokyo Filmex from November 20–29. The film, by Abinash Bikram Shah, previously won a jury prize at Cannes. Kathmandu Film Festival: KMC’s festival runs October 30 to November 1, with free screenings and events at venues including Basantapur, Jai Nepal Cinema and Taragaon Next Museum. Streaming: JioHotstar has entered Nepal through a partnership with DGO, bringing another major streaming option to local viewers.

Living Traditions: Harina Jatra, a Dashain procession in Darchula’s Huti village, brings deer-costumed performers, traditional music and generations-old beliefs together. Film: Nepal has denied public screening permission for Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s Udta Teer, citing a cinema-law provision but not specifying the objectionable content; reports point to its India-Pakistan storyline. Local Cinema: Kathmandu Metropolitan City is preparing a free-entry film festival from October 30 to November 1, with screenings and events at venues including Basantapur and Jai Nepal Cinema. On Screen: A review of 12 Gaun 2 says its action spectacle is let down by a weak story and women portrayed as helpless. Cultural Heritage: Mingmar Khaling Rai is working to preserve Mundum tradition by collecting, interpreting and publishing its oral teachings. Nepali Cricket: The NPL will use DRS for every match in its upcoming third edition, a first for the tournament.

Nepali Football: Political infighting and a FIFA suspension have left Nepal out of the SAFF Championship for the first time, ending a 30-year run. Cinema: Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s spy comedy Udta Teer has been denied public screening in Nepal under the country’s cinema law. Officials have not specified the objection, though reports point to its India-Pakistan storyline. Film Review: 12 Gaun 2 brings action spectacle but, a critic says, repeats a dated rescue-the-woman formula and struggles with a weak plot. Streaming: Nepal’s homegrown OTT platforms are struggling with piracy, payment barriers and a shortage of original content. JioHotstar has meanwhile launched in Nepal through DGO, with plans starting at NPR 249 a month. Nepali Cricket: The Nepal Premier League will use the Decision Review System for the first time, aiming to make matches fairer and more competitive.

Cricket: Nepal beat Oman by 10 runs in the World Cup League 2, moving up to sixth with 30 points and boosting its bid to retain ODI status. Film Censorship: Nepal has denied public screening permission for Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s Udta Teer under cinema law; officials have not specified the objection, though reports point to its India-Pakistan storyline. Streaming: JioHotstar has launched in Nepal through DGO, with plans starting at NPR 249 a month and a catalogue of Indian films, series and reality shows. Dashain Movies: Cinemaghar’s Dashain-Tihar festival is featuring eight Nepali films. Everest on Screen: Apple TV’s new Tenzing, starring Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe, brings Sherpa Tenzing Norgay’s role in the first Everest summit to the forefront.

Streaming: JioHotstar has launched in Nepal through DGO, bringing films, series, reality shows and kids’ programming to the platform from NPR 249 a month. DGO will continue adding a Nepali film each week. Film Censorship: Nepal has denied screening permission to Bollywood spy comedy Udta Teer, citing legal restrictions on content considered harmful to the country’s security, relations with friendly nations or social harmony. Dashain Viewing: Cinemaghar’s Dashain-Tihar festival is offering eight Nepali films for home streaming, including Hrashwo Dirgha, Mayavi and Karsang. Living Heritage: Shreekrishna Pandey has spent 29 years maintaining the slate roofs of Kathmandu’s Basantapur Durbar Square, helping preserve the historic site’s distinctive look.

Film: Apple TV’s Tenzing, about the 1953 Everest ascent, is drawing attention to Tenzing Norgay’s story. Cinematographer Stefan Duscio described filming at Everest as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Streaming: JioHotstar has entered Nepal through DGO, bringing films, series, reality shows and children’s content to the local platform, with plans starting at NPR 249 a month. Nepali Cinema: Kabaddi 5 has received a universal certificate and is set for a nationwide release, with Dayahang Rai and Bipin Karki among its stars. Cricket: The ICC has recognised Nepal Premier League’s third edition, and West Indies star Andre Russell is set to play for Biratnagar Kings. Dashain Culture: Phulpati rituals brought sacred plants and traditional music to temples around the country, while a media commentary asks whether outlets give other communities’ festivals similar visibility.

Streaming: JioHotstar has launched in Nepal through local platform DGO, bringing films, originals and shows including 12th Fail, Special Ops and Bigg Boss. Subscriptions start at NPR 249 a month. Nepali Cinema: Kabaddi 5 has received a universal certificate ahead of its nationwide release next Friday. Dashain’s film lineup also includes 12 Gaun 2 and Aa Bata Aama, both now in cinemas, with Chha Maya Chhapakkai 2 also on the slate. Nepal Premier League: Andre Russell will join Biratnagar Kings for the league’s third season, while Nepal Telecom has signed on as its official telecom partner. Everest on Screen: Apple TV’s Tenzing, starring Genden Phuntsok and Tom Hiddleston, tells the story of Tenzing Norgay and the 1953 Everest expedition.