Achham, Oct. 27 -- As Sudurpaschim Royals took on Lumbini Lions in the opening match of the third Nepal Premier League on Monday, the action at Kathmandu's TU International Cricket Ground was also drawing keen interest in the far-flung villages of Sudurpaschim province.

Fans follow every run and wicket, eager to know whether their team is closing in on victory or falling behind. But while supporters in urban areas can follow matches on their phones or watch live broadcasts on television, many in remote villages struggle even to access a reliable mobile signal.

For 18-year-old Nirajan Bhandari of Gyanegaudi in ward 8 of Mangalsen Municipality, Achham, watching this year's NPL from home during the Dashain-Tihar holidays was something he h...