Janakpur Bolts
| जनकपुर बोल्टस् | ||
| Nickname(s) | JB | |
|---|---|---|
| League | Nepal Premier League | |
| Personnel | ||
| Captain | Anil Sah | |
| Coach | Pubudu Dassanayake[1] | |
| Owner | Dream Sports Pvt Ltd | |
| Manager | Niraj Khatiwada | |
| Team information | ||
| City | Janakpur, Madhesh Province | |
| Colors | ||
| Founded | 5 September 2024 | |
| Home ground | Shree Ram Janaki International Cricket Stadium | |
| Capacity | 60,000 | |
| Secondary home ground(s) | Narayani Cricket Ground | |
| Secondary ground capacity | 18,000 | |
| History | ||
| Nepal Premier League wins | 1 | |
| Official website: | boltsjanakpur | |
| ||
Janakpur Bolts (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) is a Nepalese professional cricket franchise based in Janakpur, Madhesh Province. The team competes in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) and was one of the eight franchise incorporated in 2024.[2] The franchise is owned by Dream Sports Pvt Ltd. Janakpur Bolts won the inaugural season of the Nepal Premier League, defeating Sudur Paschim Royals by five wickets in the final at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.[3]
History
In January 2024, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) announced that the inaugural season of the Nepal Premier League would take place in November and December 2024.[4][5][6] On 2 August 2024, CAN issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for franchise ownership. The Janakpur based franchise was sold to Dream Sports Pvt Ltd for NPR 2.05 crore (US$130,000).[7][8]
2024 season
The Bolts made their debut in the 2024 Nepal Premier League. On 30 November 2024, they beat Biratnagar Kings and by 8 wickets in their first match.[9][10] Two days later, they defeated Karnali Yaks by 8 wickets,[11] and then won back to back matches against Pokhara Avengers[12] and Lumbini Lions.[13] In that match, Harsh Thaker took the franchise's first five-wicket haul, guiding the team to their fourth consecutive victory.[14]
The team recorded their first loss on 11 December 2024, against Sudurpaschim Royals, making the lowest total of the season,[15] before going on to defeat Kathmandu Gurkhas by five wickets and become the first team to reach the playoffs.[16][17][18] They lost their final match of the season against Chitwan Rhinos by 32 runs.[19]
The team lost their first playoff match against Sudhurpaschim Royals by 8 wickets,[20] but won the second qualifier against Karnali Yaks by two wickets to reach the final.[21] In the final the team beat Sudur Paschim Royals by five wickets in a re-match of the first qualifier.[22] The team's victory was led by Lahiru Milantha, who scored 87 runs from 49 balls, and strong bowling performances from Kishore Mahato and Mohammad Mohsin, who took three wickets each. They successfully chased a target of 185 runs in 19.2 overs.[23]
Lahiru Milantha was the team's leading run scorer[24] and Lalit Rajbanshi their leading wicket taker.[25]
Crest and colours
The logo consists of the famous Janaki Mandir dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita representing history, religion and culture with Thunder sign at two bottom corner and the team name rendered below in Pink and white with thunder sign of Bolts name. The team's primary colour is purple and pink.
In 2025, the logo is changed representing the team's identity and connection to its home region of Madhesh, Nepal. The logo is primarily enclosed within a shield-like shape with intricate, somewhat architectural outlines at the top, including a stylized representation of a temple or palace structure, likely referencing local heritage, such as the Janaki Mandir in Janakpur. The words "JANAKPUR" are displayed in a smaller, white, sans-serif font above the larger, more dynamic "BOLTS which is rendered in a large, bold, and stylized pink font with a blue outline, creating a striking visual effect. The primary colors used are deep blue for the background of the shield, contrasting with vibrant pink and white for the text and lightning bolt, along with blue outlines.[26]
Brand
The Bolts has consistently been named amongst the most valuable sporting franchises in Nepal.
Sponsorship
| Year | Kit manufacturer | Shirt sponsor (front) | Shirt sponsor (back) | Chest branding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Kragbuzz | DNA Fashion Nepal | Rumpum Instant Noodles | Tecno Mobile |
Clothing manufacturing company DNA Fashion Nepal became the first shirt sponsor for the team in NPL 2024.[27]
Support
The team has a significant fan following, colloquially referred to as the "Bolts Army". The team has the highest number of followers in the social media amongst the NPL teams with about 84 thousand followers across X, Facebook and Instagram as of December 2024.[citation needed]
Ownership
When the NPL was launched in 2024, the Janakpur franchise was sold to the Dream Sports Pvt Ltd for रू2.05 crore (US$180,000), making it the third most expensive team in the league.[28][29]
Current squad
- Players with international caps are listed in bold.
- * denotes a player who was unavailable for the season.
| No. | Name | Nationality | Birth date | Batting style | Bowling style | Year signed | Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batters | ||||||||
| 7 | Aakash Tripathi |  Nepal |
10 September 2005 | Right-handed | Right arm off break | 2024 | रू10 lakh (US$8,700) | |
| 16 | Anil Sah | Nepal |
17 November 1998 | Right-handed | Right arm off break | 2024 | रू15 lakh (US$13,000) | Captain |
| 52 | Arniko Prasad Yadav | Nepal |
17 May 1993 | Left-handed | Leg break, googly | 2024 | रू2.25 lakh (US$2,000) | |
| 99 | Mayan Yadav | Nepal |
7 May 2006 | Right-handed | Right arm off break | 2024 | Replacement of Rupesh Kumar Singh | |
| 51 | Subh Kansakar | Nepal |
15 May 2000 | Left-handed | Slow left-arm orthodox | 2024 | रू5 lakh (US$4,300) | |
| 92 | Sohaib Maqsood |  Pakistan |
15 April 1987 | Right-handed | Right arm off break | 2024 | Overseas | |
| Wicket-keepers | ||||||||
| 9 | Aasif Sheikh | Nepal |
22 June 2001 | Right-handed | - | 2024 | रू20 lakh (US$17,000) | Marquee Player |
| 94 | Lahiru Milantha |  United States |
28 May 1994 | Left-handed | - | 2024 | Overseas | |
| All-rounders | ||||||||
| 8 | Ben Mike |  England |
24 August 1998 | Right-handed | Right-arm Medium-fast | 2024 | Overseas | |
| 77 | Harsh Thaker |  Canada |
24 October 1997 | Right-handed | Right arm off break | 2024 | Overseas | |
| 50 | Jimmy Neesham |  New Zealand |
5 September 1992 | Left-handed | Right-arm Medium-fast | 2024 | Overseas | |
| 11 | Joshua Tromp | United States |
1 April 2001 | Right-handed | Right-arm Medium | 2024 | Overseas | |
| 81 | Mohammad Mohsin | United States |
15 April 1996 | Left-handed | Leg break, googly | 2024 | Overseas | |
| 13 | Rupesh Kumar Singh | Nepal |
1 October 2000 | Right-handed | Right-arm Medium-fast | 2024 | रू10 lakh (US$8,700) | Injured |
| 18 | Sher Malla | Nepal |
2 December 2001 | Right-handed | Right arm medium | 2024 | रू5 lakh (US$4,300) | |
| Spin bowlers | ||||||||
| 27 | Lalit Rajbanshi | Nepal |
27 February 1999 | Right-handed | Slow left-arm orthodox | 2024 | रू15 lakh (US$13,000) | |
| 1 | Tul Bahadur Thapa Magar | Nepal |
23 February 2006 | Right-handed | Left arm Wrist spin | 2024 | रू2 lakh (US$1,700) | |
| 12 | Bishal Susling | Nepal |
Right-handed | Right arm off break | 2024 | रू1 lakh (US$870) | Icon Player[lower-alpha 1] | |
| Pace bowlers | ||||||||
| 33 | Hemant Dhami | Nepal |
14 April 2006 | Right-handed | Right-arm Medium-Fast | 2024 | रू5 lakh (US$4,300) | |
| 23 | Kishore Mahato | Nepal |
2 April 2000 | Right-handed | Right arm medium-fast | 2024 | रू10 lakh (US$8,700) | |
Administrative and support staff
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| General Manager | Niraj Khatiwada |
| Head coach | Pubudu Dassanayake |
Statistics
By season
| Year | Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Group Stage | Final Result | Most Runs | Most Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 2/8 | Champions | Lahiru Milantha (293) | Lalit Rajbanshi (17) |
| Total | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 70% | |||
Source: ESPNcricinfo[31]
By opposition
| Opposition | Span | M | W | L | NR | Win (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biratnagar Kings | 2024 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100
|
| Chitwan Rhinos | 2024 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0
|
| Karnali Yaks | 2024 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100
|
| Kathmandu Gurkhas | 2024 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100
|
| Lumbini Lions | 2024 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100
|
| Pokhara Avengers | 2024 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100
|
| Sudurpaschim Royals | 2024 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 33.3
|
| Total | 2024 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 70% |
Last updated: 21 December 2024
See also
References
- ↑ "Pubudu Appointed Head Coach of Janakpur Bolts in Nepal Premier League (NPL)". WicketNepal. 2024-10-15. Retrieved 2024-10-15.
- ↑ "CAN announces eight franchises for Nepal Premier League". Khabarhub. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
- ↑ "Milantha's heroics secure Janakpur Bolts the NPL title". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
- ↑ "CAN to organise Nepal Premier League in November and December". The Kathmandu Post. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "CAN planning to develop NPL into a global premier event". The Kathmandu Post. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "Nepal Premier League 2024 start date announced". SportsAdda. 2024-09-06. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ Staff, cricnepal (2024-09-05). "Franchise auction confirms owners for all eight teams in Nepal Premier League". cricnepal.com. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "CAN planning to develop NPL into a global premier event". The Kathmandu Post. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ↑ "Janakpur Bolts secure impressive win over Biratnagar in NPL". The Kathmandu Post. 2024-11-30. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
- ↑ "NPL inaugural match: Janakpur Bolts wins toss, opts to field first". The Rising Nepal. 2024-11-30. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
- ↑ "Janakpur Bolts secure second consecutive win in NPL". The Kathmandu Post. 2024-12-02. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
- ↑ "Janakpur Bolts win three in a row, Pokhara Avengers shocked again". Ratopati. 2024-12-05. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ↑ "Janakpur Bolts edge Lumbini Lions by 1 run in a thrilling encounter in NPL". The Kathmandu Post. 2024-12-08. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ↑ "Harsh Thaker's Five-Wicket Haul Seals Thrilling One-Run Victory for Janakpur Bolts in NPL". WicketNepal. 2024-12-08. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ↑ "Sudurpaschim Royals defeat Janakpur Bolts by 72 runs in NPL clash". The Kathmandu Post. 2024-12-11. Retrieved 2024-12-11.
- ↑ "Janakpur Bolts beat Kathmandu Gurkhas by 5 wickets to secure playoff spot". The Himalayan Times. 2024-12-12. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ↑ "Janakpur beats Kathmandu to enter NPL playoffs". The Rising Nepal. 2024-12-12. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ↑ "Janakpur Bolts punch ticket to playoffs". The Kathmandu Post. 2024-12-13. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
- ↑ "Rhinos defeat Janakpur in a thrilling contest". Chitwan Rhinos. 2024-12-14. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
- ↑ "Royals reach NPL final after defeating Bolts in first qualifier". Republica. 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ↑ "Janakpur Bolts edge Karnali Yaks by 2 wickets to reach NPL final". The Himalayan Times. 2024-12-19. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
- ↑ "Janakpur Bolts becomes NPL Champion". GorakhaPatra. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
- ↑ "Final, Kirtipur, December 21, 2024, Nepal Premier League (Mayan Yadav 2*, Harsh Thaker 30*, Naren Saud 0/3, Sudur Paschim Royals (NPL) vs Janakpur Bolts (NPL) live score, Final, Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, December 21, 2024". ESPNcricinfo. 2024-12-21. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
- ↑ "Most runs in Nepal Premier League, 2024". ESPNcricinfo. 2024-12-21. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
- ↑ "Most wickets For Nepal Premier League, 2024". ESPNcricinfo. 2024-12-21. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
- ↑ "Janakpur Bolts new logo unveiled". Kantipur. 2025-09-26. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
- ↑ "Janakpur Bolts sign sponsorship deal with DNA International Nepal". Business360. 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
- ↑ "NPL Franchise Teams Sold, Pokhara Fetches Highest Price". Neplays. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
- ↑ "CAN secures whopping funds from NPL franchise ownership auction". Cricnepal. 5 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
- ↑ "Kathmandu Gurkhas pick Krish Karki as their local iconic player". The Kathmandu Post. 17 November 2024. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ↑ "Results of Nepal Premier League". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
External links
- Janakpur Bolts Profile at ESPNcricinfo
- Official Nepal Premier League website
- Janakpur Bolts win inaugural NPL title – CricNepal
- Janakpur Bolts shine in finals – OnlineKhabar
- Watch: Bolts winning moment – Sportskeeda
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