Kathmandu. The first and second editions of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) laid the foundation for franchise cricket in Nepali cricket. Now, as we move towards the third edition, the participation of foreign players has become an important aspect of the league.
Although it is not new for foreign players to join the NPL, the number of established and well-known stars in international cricket is increasing in the league. There is also a fierce competition among the league teams to bring in famous players.
Paras Khadka, secretary of CAN, said that the arrival of experienced foreign players has affected the opportunity for Nepali players to learn from them, the international market of the league, the attraction of the audience and the commercial value of the franchise. He said that the arrival of famous foreign players is not only helping the NPL but also Nepal’s tourism.TAG_OPEN_div_93
“The addition of foreign players to the NPL is not only helping cricket but also tourism in Nepal. Due to the star players who joined in the last edition, along with cricket, tourism here was also discussed. Many foreign players had posted pictures and videos of Nepal’s famous places on social media. Due to this, we believe that Nepal’s tourism has gained attention at the international level,” Secretary Khadka said, “This time too, the number of famous foreign players is continuing. Their arrival will not only give a boost to the league but will also help Nepal’s economy.” ’’
TAG_OPEN_div_89 He believes that the opportunity to play in the same team with famous foreign players can strengthen the Nepali youth mentally along with sports skills. Khadka said that the training style of the players established in international cricket, discipline towards the game, preparation and way to face pressure on the field can be a medium of direct learning for Nepali players.
He said that it is an important experience for the young players to sit in the same dressing room with the players they have idolized for a long time and to get on the field together. Khadka said that such opportunities will help to increase the confidence of the new players and understand the cricket they are playing in a wider perspective. “It is a great achievement for the young players to share the dressing room with the players who have been seen on the field since childhood, seeing the same players playing on their own ground definitely boosts the morale of the young players,” said Khadka, who is also the former captain of the national cricket team.TAG_OPEN_div_87
Khadka believes that such experiences from foreign players will not end with the end of the game. CAN manager Binod Das said that while practicing and playing games in the same team, Nepali players get to closely observe their professionalism, time management, attention to fitness and preparation before and after the match.TAG_OPEN_div_85
He also believes that the arrival of Australia’s World Cup-winning player David Warner will further help the young players of Nepal. “Nepali players will get to learn a lot directly from Warner’s experience and style of playing. This will help in increasing the level of NPL and international attention,” said Das, who is also the former coach of Nepal’s U-19 team, “It is a big motivation for Nepali young players to see world-class players playing in their own ground. It will encourage them to work harder.”TAG_OPEN_div_83 ’’
He also believes that with the addition of star players continuously, the NPL will get more attention in international cricket. “It is an achievement in itself that a world cricket star like Warner will come and play in Nepal. His arrival in Nepal will enhance the brand of NPL,” said Das, who is also the former captain of the Nepali national cricket team, “Warner’s presence will further increase the attraction of the audience and cricket fans towards the NPL. We are hopeful that the participation of famous players like them will also strengthen the competitive environment of the tournament.”TAG_OPEN_div_81 ’’
He also said that Warner’s contract in Kathmandu Gorkhas will also create an environment to attract other famous foreign players to participate in the NPL. “If world-class players like Warner come to Nepal and play in the NPL, it will help other famous foreign players to come to Nepal and create a positive environment to play cricket. When the players who are considered to be the icons of world cricket come to Nepal and start playing, the trust and attraction of foreign players towards the NPL can increase. This will pave the way for bringing more quality foreign players to the NPL in the coming days,” Das said.TAG_OPEN_div_79
Dipendra Singh Airee, the captain of the Nepali national T20 team, believes that the participation of foreign players in the NPL is adding new experiences and opportunities to Nepali cricket. He said that competing with the stars who have played at the international level in the same tournament will give Nepali players an opportunity to learn from their playing style, preparation and experience. Airee said that the presence of foreign players will also create an environment for Nepali players to test themselves in high-level cricket.TAG_OPEN_div_77
According to him, the participation of foreign players can help to increase the competitive level of the NPL as well as increase the external interest in Nepali cricket. “Nepali cricket is doing very well when foreign players come. The level of Nepali cricket is increasing when they come. Nepali players get an opportunity to learn a lot while playing with foreign players and it will help to advance Nepali cricket,” said Airee, who is also the captain of the NPL team Far-Western Royals.TAG_OPEN_div_75
5 famous foreign players who played NPL-3 {
}
David Warner (Australia): Australia’s aggressive batter Warner is a player who has influenced international cricket for a long time. He was an important member of the team that won the ODI World Cup in 2015 and 2023. Warner, who has excelled in all three formats of Tests, ODIs and T20s, has also played in various franchise leagues around the world.TAG_OPEN_div_71
His experience and aggressive batting have become a subject of attraction for the NPL. Warner has scored a total of 18,995 runs in international cricket so far. He also has a long experience of playing professional cricket. Warner has played a dozen prestigious leagues including the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), Big Bash League (BBL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). His cricketing career has been excellent in these leagues. Now the 39-year-old Warner wants to perform well in the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
TAG_OPEN_div_67Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh): Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is another popular foreign player who plays in NPL-3. He is preparing to play NPL for Pokhara Avengers. Shakib’s name also comes in the list of established all-rounders in world cricket.
He also led the Bangladesh national team for a long time with left-handed batting as well as left-handed spin bowling. Shakib scored a total of 14,730 runs for Bangladesh. He also has the experience of a dozen foreign leagues. Shakib, who has the experience of playing in various franchise leagues along with international cricket, will add experience to the Pokhara Avengers.
Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand): Another famous player to appear in the third edition of the NPL. New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham. He is preparing to play in the NPL for the third consecutive time. Neesham had participated in the NPL for different teams in the previous two seasons. He has returned to Janakpur Bolts in the upcoming season. Neesham played an important role in winning the title for Janakpur in the first season.
He has been active in international cricket for a long time. Neesham, who can contribute to both batting and bowling, has also played in various T20 franchise tournaments around the world. His ability to bat aggressively in pressure situations is considered important for the team. The 36-year-old Neesham has scored 3,309 runs and taken 149 wickets in international cricket so far. He has played more than a dozen foreign leagues.
Ravi TAG_OPEN_div_59 Bopara (England): Another popular foreign player to appear in the NPL 2026 is experienced all-rounder Bopara of England. He is playing in the NPL for the third consecutive time with Chitwan Rhinos. Bopara also has a long experience of international cricket as well as various T20 franchise tournaments around the world.
Bopara, who can contribute with batting and medium pace bowling, is known as an experienced player, especially in franchise cricket. The 41-year-old Bopara has scored a total of 3,981 runs for England and has taken 57 wickets. He has played in about a dozen foreign leagues. Bopara’s experience is expected to be useful for Chitwan Rhinos.TAG_OPEN_div_57
Sikandar Raja (Zimbabwe) is another popular player to be added to the third edition of the NPL. Sikandar Raja is the captain of the Zimbabwe team. He is currently known as a leading all-rounder in international T20 cricket. Raja, who can bowl off-spin with aggressive batting, has performed impressively in various international and franchise tournaments. He has scored 9,382 runs and taken 252 wickets in international cricket so far. The 40-year-old Raja’s all-round ability will give Chitwan Rhinos options in both batting and bowling.TAG_OPEN_div_55
The NPL team is confident that the presence of experienced players like Warner, Shakib, Neesham, Bopara and Raja will give an opportunity to the Nepali players to get a closer understanding of the practice, preparation and style of play of the world-class cricketers. Dipendra Chaudhary, director of the NPL team Biratnagar Kings, said that their arrival is expected to increase international interest in Nepali cricket and further broaden the identity of the NPL.TAG_OPEN_div_53
“The participation of famous foreign players in the third edition will take the NPL to a new height. This will open another door of learning and opportunity for Nepali cricket,” Chaudhary said, “It will be important to connect the benefits of the participation of foreign players to the long-term development of Nepali cricket without limiting it to the duration of the tournament.” The experience of Nepali players can be more meaningful if they can reach out to the national team in training, domestic competitions and the national team. ’’
TAG_OPEN_div_49 The third season of the NPL is going to be held in Kathmandu from October 22. CAN has already released the schedule of the league. In the inaugural match of the tournament, last edition winners Lumbini Lions and runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals are scheduled to compete.
प्रतिक्रिया दिनुहोस्