The Nepal Premier League (NPL) is gearing up for its third season, with franchises actively securing prominent foreign players and staff as anticipation builds for the tournament's return. While the official start date remains unannounced, teams are signaling a heightened level of competition and excitement compared to previous editions.
The first season of the NPL, also known as the Festival of Himalayas, drew considerable attention with the participation of notable international cricketers such as Martin Guptill with Biratnagar Kings, Ravi Bopara and Sohail Tanvir for Chitwan Rhinos, and James Neesham who played a key role in Janakpur Bolts’ inaugural championship. Other franchises featured players like Ben Cutting for Lumbini Lions, Shikhar Dhawan briefly with Karnali Yaks, and Raymon Reifer of Pokhara Avengers. Matches attracted large crowds at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, where fans gathered in substantial numbers on the grassy banks.
The second season introduced further enhancements, including lighting installations and concrete grandstands at the stadium, alongside high-profile players such as Faf du Plessis, Chris Lynn, and Wayne Parnell, underscoring the tournament’s rapid growth. Ahead of the upcoming season, the domestic player auction concluded on July 6, turning attention to the foreign player signings that are expected to elevate the competition further.
The Pokhara Avengers have been particularly active, announcing two major acquisitions that underscore their ambition to advance beyond their previous struggles to reach the playoffs. On July 19, the team appointed former Sri Lankan mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis as head coach. Mendis retired from international cricket in 2019 but holds a Level Three coaching certification and has previously worked with the Sri Lanka Army cricket team. He expressed enthusiasm for his new role, emphasizing his eagerness to collaborate with players and supporters.
Adding to their roster, Pokhara Avengers secured Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, one of Bangladesh’s most accomplished cricketers. Despite not representing Bangladesh internationally since late 2024, Shakib’s track record as a leading run-scorer and wicket-taker across formats remains significant. His all-round skills are expected to provide the Avengers with a strong competitive edge.
Meanwhile, defending champions Lumbini Lions are expected to announce a prominent Sri Lankan signing in the coming days, following their earlier retention of Ruben Trumpelmann, last season’s player of the tournament. The team teased this potential addition with symbolic social media posts featuring the Sri Lankan flag.
Other franchises, such as Biratnagar Kings and Janakpur Bolts, have also generated curiosity through cryptic social media teasers hinting at forthcoming foreign player signings. Chitwan Rhinos revealed plans to introduce a new head coach for the third season, succeeding Kalam Ali, though official confirmation of the appointment is still pending.
As of now, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Sudurpaschim Royals, and Karnali Yaks have yet to disclose any foreign signings or coaching changes for the upcoming NPL season. The league’s progression toward securing international cricket stars signals a continued push to raise the profile and standard of Nepalese cricket. The local cricket community and fans await the official schedule along with further announcements on player lineups, anticipating another compelling chapter in the NPL’s evolution.