Foreign Players Confirmed for NPL Season 2
The second season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) is set to run from November 17 to December 13, 2025, featuring eight franchise teams representing the major cities of Nepal. Teams have actively signed and retained top international cricket stars to elevate the competition level.
Notable Foreign Signings
- Sudurpaschim Royals retained Australian power hitter Chris Lynn and New Zealander bowling all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn.
- Biratnagar Kings secured Scottish batsman George Munsey and Australian batsman Sam Heazlett.
- Chitwan Rhinos have English all-rounders Dawid Malan and Ravi Bopara, alongside Pakistani pacer Sohail Tanvir.
- Janakpur Bolts retained Sri Lankan-born USA wicketkeeper-batsman Lahiru Milantha, the MVP of NPL Season 1.
- Kathmandu Gorkhas signed South African left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman Ricardo Vasconcelos.
- Karnali Yaks signed Australian all-rounder Will Bosisto, Scottish bowler Mark Watt, and Dutch hard-hitter Max O’Dowd.
- Lumbini Lions brought in Australian opener D’Arcy Short.
- Pokhara Avengers added English wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Rossington.
Player Profiles & Impact
Chris Lynn has vast T20 experience with over 8,500 runs in 296 matches across global leagues like IPL, BBL, and PSL. His signing is expected to add significant firepower to Sudurpaschim Royals.
Dawid Malan is a seasoned England international with over 10,500 T20 runs, contributing experience and class to Chitwan Rhinos.
George Munsey and Sam Heazlett bring substantial T20 expertise to Biratnagar Kings, boosting their batting lineup.
Max O’Dowd and Will Bosisto add depth to Karnali Yaks’ batting and bowling departments.
Ricardo Vasconcelos, active in England’s domestic circuit, marks Kathmandu Gorkhas’ key foreign acquisition.
Auction and Retentions
The NPL completed its player auction earlier this year with 37 players contracted. Many teams opted to retain key performers from the inaugural season.
Janakpur Bolts retained marquee players and bolstered their squad with new signings. Sudurpaschim Royals and Karnali Yaks followed similar strategies, blending experience with fresh talent.
Arrival and Preparations
Overseas players have begun arriving in Nepal ahead of the tournament kickoff. Teams like Biratnagar Kings, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Chitwan Rhinos, Karnali Yaks, and Pokhara Avengers have welcomed their foreign players to acclimatize and prepare.
Corporate Support
Karnali Yaks secured a major sponsorship deal with Asian Paints, boosting their resources for the season. The team continues talent hunts to discover local stars and maintain a competitive edge.
Image: Foreign Players Confirmed for NPL Season 2
Summary
The influx of international talent in NPL Season 2 is set to raise the standard and excitement around Nepal’s growing cricket tournament. With marquee players from established cricketing nations participating, the league aims to attract more fans and strengthen Nepal’s cricketing profile.
Share Your Thoughts
What impact do you think the addition of these foreign players will have on the competitiveness of the NPL?
How can local Nepalese players benefit from playing alongside experienced international stars?
Do you foresee any challenges with integrating foreign players into Nepali teams?
Which foreign player signing excites you the most and why?
How important is corporate sponsorship like Asian Paints’ partnership for the growth of domestic leagues like NPL?
Sources: The Kathmandu Post, The Full Toss Cricket Nepal Facebook, Praladh Gautam, The Rising Nepal, ICT Frame, OnlineKhabar)