DRS in NPL 2026: How Reviews Work in Season 3

Updated Tue, 27 Oct 2026

Season 3 of the Nepal Premier League is the first with the Decision Review System (DRS). The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) confirmed it on 20 October 2026, six days before the opener, and the Himalayan Times reported that it will be used in all NPL 2026 matches. Some earlier reports had suggested the knockouts only. It is one of several upgrades this season, along with ICC sanction and a bigger prize.

What is DRS?

DRS lets a fielding or batting side challenge an on-field umpire’s decision. The captain signals a review (the “T” sign), and the third umpire checks replays and technology before confirming or overturning the call. If the evidence is not clear enough to overturn it, the on-field decision stands.

What technology does the NPL use?

• 3D ball tracking for leg-before-wicket (LBW) reviews: it shows where the ball pitched, where it hit the pad and whether it would have hit the stumps.
• AI-based edge detection to check for bat contact on caught-behind and LBW reviews. Reports name a system called NickSense, positioned as a lower-cost alternative to the UltraEdge and Snickometer systems used in international cricket.
• Video replays for run-outs, stumpings and front-foot no-balls.

CAN tested systems from two companies before choosing one on accuracy; the chosen provider and the number of reviews per team per innings had not been officially published at the time of writing. We will update this guide when they are.

Why NPL match times changed

Reviews add time to every innings. On the same day it confirmed DRS, CAN moved the evening matches to a 5:00 PM NPT start, with the first game of a double-header at 12:30 PM NPT. Playoffs start at 4:30 PM. Some pages published before 20 October still show the old times; our NPL 2026 schedule uses the official fixture data. More in the schedule and timings guide.

Who gains most from DRS?

Spinners. Ball tracking makes LBW appeals far more valuable for wrist-spinners like Biratnagar captain Sandeep Lamichhane, who shared the 2025 wickets lead, and off-spinners like Sher Malla. Batters can now challenge marginal LBWs too, which should mean fewer innings ended by a wrong call in a tight chase.

Captains. Reviews are limited, so knowing when to use one becomes a tactical skill. Experienced overseas players such as David Warner and Shakib Al Hasan, who have used DRS for years in international cricket, give their sides an edge in those decisions.

What it means for the title race

In a league where the 2025 final was decided by a collapse to 85 all out, one overturned decision can swing a playoff place. Follow every match on NPL live scores with live win probability, and see how each team’s chances move on the playoff scenarios page.