CHITWAN, Oct 26: Chitwan Rhinos cricket club has pledged to allocate five percent of its merchandise sales revenue to the conservation of the one-horned rhinoceros, an iconic species of Chitwan.
The club, which is competing in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) for the third consecutive year, aims to promote Chitwan and its wildlife to international audiences through cricket.
“We have a rhinoceros in our name, so contributing to its conservation is our natural responsibility,” said Ayush Neupane, president of Chitwan Rhinos Sports Club.
The club, a sister organization of Chitwan Medical College, promotes conservation awareness through rhinoceros imagery and messaging. It also seeks to introduce the one-horned rhinoceros population of Chitwan National Park to international audiences, particularly tourists.
Internal translocation of rhinos taking place in Chitwan
Chitwan Rhinos finished fourth in the inaugural NPL season and seventh in the second edition. Club director Pratap Devkota said the team was aiming for the championship this season.
The club has also arranged live broadcasts of its matches at several locations across the district, including Birendra Campus Chowk, Bishal Chowk and Chitwan Spicy Herb at Dipendra Chowk.
According to Devkota, the club has supported conservation initiatives, community-based cricket organizations and local musical events. It also provided humanitarian assistance to victims of the Bhotekoshi floods.
He said the club was committed to promoting cricket while contributing to rhinoceros conservation.
Narayan Prasad Adhikari, head of the District Coordination Committee in Chitwan, said the district's representation through one of the eight NPL teams was a matter of pride. He added that cricket clubs could help promote discipline and increase public interest in the sport.
Excitement over the tournament is growing across Chitwan, with hotels, restaurants and public gathering places preparing to welcome fans. Banners featuring the Chitwan Rhinos emblem have appeared along roadsides and at commercial establishments and community spaces.
The third edition of the NPL begins today. According to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the winning team will receive Rs 15 million, while the runner-up will take home Rs 8 million.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recognized the NPL as an international tournament for the first time.
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