Kathmandu, October 24
Kathmandu Gorkhas, the only Nepal Premier League (NPL) franchise representing the capital city, have made a major statement ahead of the third edition by signing Australian batting great David Warner.
Led by medium-pacer Karan KC, the Bagmati Province franchise has also recruited former India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat, Sri Lankan batting all-rounder Sahan Arachchige and former Australia Under-19 captain William Bosisto as it looks to build on its progress in the previous season.
Kathmandu have also appointed former Nepal international Sharad Vesawkar as cricket director, signalling changes to the team’s setup ahead of the new campaign.
Warner is among the biggest international names expected to feature in the third edition of the NPL. The Australian star has won both the ODI and T20 World Cups with his national team and played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other franchise competitions around the world.
His signing has generated considerable excitement among Nepali cricket fans. Kathmandu had reportedly been pursuing Warner for some time before finally securing his services for the upcoming season.
The signing also sends a strong message to rival franchises, with Warner regarded as one of Australia’s finest opening batters. His arrival follows the NPL appearances of international stars such as Shikhar Dhawan, Martin Guptill and Faf du Plessis in previous editions. Pokhara Avengers have also signed Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for the third season.
Kathmandu aim to build on playoff progress
Kathmandu finished fifth in the inaugural season and missed out on the playoffs. They improved in the second edition, finishing third in the league stage to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
However, their campaign ended in the eliminator, where they lost to Lumbini Lions.
With the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground serving as their home venue, Kathmandu will hope to make the most of their familiarity with the ground and the support of local fans.
Core retained, young players added at auction
Kathmandu retained six players before the auction, keeping much of their domestic core intact. The retained group includes captain Karan KC, batter Bhim Sharki, all-rounders Adil Alam and Santosh Yadav, and bowlers Rashid Khan and Shahab Alam.
Adil and Santosh, who joined the franchise through the auction ahead of the second season, have earned another opportunity with the team. Dipesh Kandel, meanwhile, was released.
Kathmandu signed seven players at the auction, spending a total of Rs 1.7 million, the lowest expenditure among the franchises, according to the team preview.
The new signings are Sahil Patel, Prasiddha Jaisi, Dayananda Mandal, Sonu Devkota, Krishna Paudel, Dev Shah and Suyanshu Koirala. Kathmandu spent Rs 500,000 on Sahil, while the other six players were signed for Rs 200,000 each.
The auction strategy suggests the franchise has prioritised young domestic talent while using its overseas recruitment to add international experience.
Warner strengthens the top order
Warner is the headline signing, but Kathmandu’s other overseas recruits could also play important roles in balancing the squad.
Bharat, who has represented India in Test cricket, is expected to provide wicketkeeping options and strengthen the batting lineup. With Warner at the top and Bhim Sharki among the domestic batting options, Kathmandu appear to have added depth to their top order.
Bosisto, who previously played for Karnali Yaks in the first two editions, will bring experience in middle-order batting and spin bowling. Sri Lankan all-rounder Arachchige is also expected to contribute in the middle order and with his spin.
Together with Shahab Alam, Bosisto and Arachchige give Kathmandu several spin-bowling options.
Pace bowling remains a concern
While the overseas signings have strengthened the batting and spin departments, pace bowling could remain an area requiring attention.
Captain Karan KC is expected to lead the pace attack, with Rashid Khan providing another option. Adil Alam can also contribute medium pace, but Kathmandu may need an overseas specialist fast bowler to strengthen the attack further.
The franchise has so far announced four overseas signings for the third season, and its final squad composition could depend on whether it adds another frontline pace option.
None of Kathmandu’s overseas players from the second edition has been announced as returning so far. The previous squad included Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus, Milind Kumar, Ben Charlesworth, John Simpson, Ricardo Vasconcelos and Sunny Patel. Erasmus had represented Kathmandu in both of the first two seasons.
With Warner attracting the spotlight, a largely retained domestic core and several new international recruits, Kathmandu Gorkhas will hope to turn their improved league-stage performance from the previous edition into a deeper playoff run this time.
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