NPL Third Edition Which Foreign Players Have Been Signed by the Franchises?

With the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) scheduled to begin soon, franchise teams have stepped up preparations after completing their domestic player selections. Teams are now finalizing their foreign recruits, with several franchises already announcing international players for the upcoming season.

So far, Sudurpaschim Royals, Janakpur Bolts, Lumbini Lions, Chitwan Rhinos, and Pokhara Avengers have announced foreign players, while Kathmandu Gorkhas, Biratnagar Kings, and Karnali Yaks are yet to reveal their overseas signings.

Sudurpaschim Royals

Two-time runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals have retained England's Saif Zaib and New Zealand's Scott Kuggeleijn. Both players are set to participate in the NPL for the third consecutive season.

Zaib played for Sudurpaschim in the first edition before representing Chitwan Rhinos last season. He was named the Player of the Tournament in the inaugural NPL edition.

Kuggeleijn has also been one of the league's most consistent performers. He has taken 27 wickets in 17 NPL matches at an economy rate of 6.47, making him the leading wicket-taker in NPL history so far.

Zaib has scored 391 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 136.29.

Janakpur Bolts

The inaugural NPL champions Janakpur Bolts have signed Indian-origin American all-rounder Harmeet Singh.

Harmeet is also set to play his third consecutive NPL season. He previously represented Sudurpaschim Royals in the first two editions, scoring 161 runs and taking 20 wickets in 14 matches.

Janakpur has appointed Harmeet as its captain for the upcoming season, with the franchise expecting his experience and leadership to strengthen the team.

Lumbini Lions

Defending champions Lumbini Lions have retained Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella for the third edition.

Dickwella played a key role in Lumbini's title-winning campaign last season. After joining the team, Lumbini went on to win six consecutive matches.

He scored 137 runs in six matches for the Lions and is expected to play another important role in the team's title defense.

Chitwan Rhinos

Chitwan Rhinos have signed experienced England all-rounder Ravi Bopara for the upcoming season.

Bopara will represent Chitwan for the third consecutive NPL season. He has scored 523 runs in 15 matches, placing him second on the league's all-time run-scoring list.

Chitwan has also appointed former Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Tanvir as its head coach. Tanvir previously played for the franchise in the first two editions of the NPL.

Pokhara Avengers

Pokhara Avengers have signed Sri Lankan all-rounder Dhananjaya Lakshan for the third edition. Lakshan represented Pokhara last season, taking 10 wickets and scoring 53 runs in three matches.

The franchise has also appointed former Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis as its head coach. Pokhara believes Mendis' international experience and technical expertise will help improve the team's performance and contribute to the development of young players.

Three Teams Yet to Announce Foreign Players

Kathmandu Gorkhas, Biratnagar Kings, and Karnali Yaks have not yet announced any foreign players for the third edition.

The franchises are reportedly continuing discussions and contract negotiations and are expected to reveal their overseas signings in the coming days.

According to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the third edition of the Nepal Premier League will be held in Kathmandu from Kartik 9 to Mangsir 5. The detailed match schedule is yet to be announced, with all eight franchises set to participate.

Foreign Players Announced So Far