Northern Territory Cricket is pleased to announce the Nepal National Cricket Team will return to Darwin from 20 to 30 August, with Nepal officially confirmed as the first team locked in for the 2026 Study NT Top End T20 Series.
The announcement was made during the annual Northern Territory Nepal Festival, where Darwin’s Nepalese community gathered alongside NT Government ministers, local council representatives and dignitaries for a celebration of culture, food, music and community. In a special surprise for those in attendance, Cricket Association of Nepal Secretary Paras Khadka joined the event to announce the Nepal Rhinos would return to Darwin for the 2026 Top End T20 Series.
Nepal made its Top End T20 Series debut in 2025, marking the first time the Nepal National Cricket Team had played on Australian soil and giving supporters across Australia a rare opportunity to watch their national team in person.
With a large and passionate Nepalese community in Australia, Nepal’s first visit to Darwin quickly became one of the standout stories of last year’s tournament, with strong crowds, colourful support and significant international interest.
Nepal’s return in 2026 will again give supporters the chance to travel to the Top End and see their team play six or more matches across the tournament, creating a unique cricket experience in one of Australia’s most popular travel destinations.
The team’s return further strengthens the international profile of the Top End T20 Series and reinforces Darwin’s growing reputation as Australia’s home of winter cricket. Played during a period when much of the Australian cricket calendar is in its off-season, the Series provides a valuable opportunity for Big Bash franchises and international teams to extend their playing window, giving players access to high-quality T20 competition.
Cricket Association of Nepal Secretary Paras Khadka said last year’s tournament provided an important platform for Nepal Cricket.
"Last year’s participation in the Top End Series was a tremendous success for Nepal Cricket. The tournament attracted an outstanding turnout in Darwin, where the Nepalese community showed incredible support in large numbers.
The quality of cricket on display was exceptional, and the exposure Nepal Cricket received proved invaluable in the lead-up to the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers.
We are excited to be returning to the Top End Series this year and look forward to the opportunity to compete against Big Bash teams and touring squads from Test-playing nations. The tournament presents another fantastic platform for our players to gain valuable experience and showcase their talent on an international stage.
We can’t wait for another exciting month of cricket in the Northern Territory this August.”
NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey said Nepal’s return was an exciting result for the tournament, the Territory and the broader cricket community.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome the Nepal National Cricket Team back to Darwin for the 2026 Study NT Top End T20 Series.
Nepal’s first visit last year brought a special energy to the tournament, both on the field and in the stands, and we know the Territory’s Nepalese community will again get right behind them."
The Northern Territory was well and truly placed on the global cricket map during last year’s tournament, with Nepal’s passionate fan base accross the world turning its attention to Darwin and the Top End."
Their return is another strong example of the scale and opportunity Australian winter cricket can provide, not only for the Northern Territory, but for international teams looking for high-quality competition in a unique part of Australia."
A full 2026 Study NT Top End T20 Series schedule and further team announcements will be released in the coming weeks.
Early bird tournament passes are now available through Ticketebo, giving fans access to every regular tournament match across the 2026 Series, excluding finals.
https://www.ticketebo.com.au/northern-territory-cricket/2026-study-nt-top-end-t20-series-season-pass
Entry is free for children under 18.*