Cricket Kitchen

Foreign Stars Expand NPL’s Reach

September 22, 2026

Kathmandu-  The first and second editions of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) laid the foundation for franchise cricket in Nepal. As the league moves toward its third edition, the participation of high-profile foreign players has emerged as one of its major attractions.

While the involvement of overseas players is not new to the NPL, the growing number of internationally established and widely recognized stars is increasing the league’s profile. The franchises are also competing to bring prominent international players into their squads.

Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Secretary Paras Khadka said the arrival of experienced foreign players provides Nepali cricketers with opportunities to learn while also helping expand the NPL’s international market, attract spectators and increase the commercial value of the franchises.

He also said the participation of foreign stars has helped promote Nepal’s tourism.

“When foreign players join the NPL, it benefits not only cricket but also tourism in Nepal. In previous editions, some star players shared pictures and videos of famous places in Nepal on social media, which helped draw international attention to the country’s tourism,” Khadka told.

Khadka said the continued arrival of well-known players could further raise the profile of the league and contribute to the economy.

Playing alongside internationally established cricketers can also provide young Nepali players with valuable lessons in skills, preparation, discipline and handling pressure, he said.

According to CAN Manager Binod Das, Nepali players can observe the professionalism, time management, fitness routines and match preparation of international players by sharing the same team and dressing room.

Das said the arrival of Australian World Cup winner David Warner could provide additional inspiration and learning opportunities for young Nepali cricketers.

“Warner’s experience and style of play will give Nepali players an opportunity to learn directly from him. His participation will also help raise the level of the NPL and attract international attention,” Das said.

He added that Warner’s participation could encourage other internationally recognized players to consider playing in the NPL, potentially creating opportunities for the league to attract more established overseas cricketers in the future.

Nepal national T20 captain Dipendra Singh Airee also believes the participation of foreign players is creating new learning opportunities for Nepali cricketers.

According to Airee, playing in the same competition as internationally experienced players allows Nepali players to observe their playing styles, preparation and approach to the game while testing themselves against a higher level of competition.

“The arrival of foreign players is very positive for Nepali cricket. Playing against them gives Nepali players an opportunity to learn many things and helps take Nepali cricket forward,” said Airee, who also captains NPL franchise Sudurpaschim Royals.

Five high-profile foreign players in NPL 3
David Warner — Australia
Australian opening batter David Warner is among the biggest names joining the third edition of the NPL. Warner was a key member of Australia’s teams that won the ODI World Cup in 2015 and 2023.

A three-format international cricketer, Warner has also played in several major franchise leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), Big Bash League (BBL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

The 39-year-old has scored 18,995 international runs, according to the information provided, and is set to represent Kathmandu Gorkhas in the NPL.

Shakib Al Hasan — Bangladesh
Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is another major international name set to feature in NPL 3. The experienced all-rounder is preparing to play for Pokhara Avengers.

A left-handed batter and left-arm spinner, Shakib has represented Bangladesh across formats and has extensive experience in international and franchise cricket. He has scored 14,730 runs for Bangladesh, according to the supplied information.

Jimmy Neesham — New Zealand
New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham is set to play in the NPL for a third consecutive season. He previously represented different franchises in the first two editions and is returning to Janakpur Bolts for the upcoming season.

Neesham played an important role in Janakpur’s title-winning campaign in the inaugural edition. The 36-year-old has scored 3,309 international runs and taken 149 wickets, according to the supplied figures, and has extensive experience in T20 franchise cricket around the world.

Ravi Bopara — England
Experienced England all-rounder Ravi Bopara will also feature in the 2026 NPL, continuing with Chitwan Rhinos for a third consecutive season.

The 41-year-old has extensive international and franchise cricket experience and can contribute with both bat and medium-pace bowling. He has scored 3,981 international runs and taken 57 wickets for England, according to the information provided.

Sikandar Raza — Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe captain and all-rounder Sikandar Raza is another prominent name joining the third edition of the NPL.

Known for his aggressive batting and off-spin bowling, Raza has played extensively in international and franchise cricket. According to the supplied figures, he has scored 9,382 international runs and taken 252 wickets.

His all-round abilities are expected to provide Chitwan Rhinos with additional options in both batting and bowling.

Officials from NPL franchises believe the presence of players such as Warner, Shakib, Neesham, Bopara and Raza will give Nepali cricketers opportunities to observe international-level preparation, training and playing methods.

Dipendra Chaudhary, director of NPL franchise Biratnagar Kings, said the participation of prominent foreign players could open new avenues for learning and development in Nepali cricket.

“The participation of well-known foreign players in the third edition will take the NPL to a new level and open another door of learning and opportunity for Nepali cricket,” Chaudhary said.

He added that the experience gained from foreign players should be carried beyond the tournament and applied to training, domestic competitions and the national team so that the impact can contribute to Nepal’s long-term cricket development.

The third edition of the Nepal Premier League is scheduled to begin on Kartik 9 (late October/early November) in Kathmandu. CAN has already published the tournament schedule, with defending champions Lumbini Lions scheduled to face runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals in the opening match.