Kathmandu, October 23
Biratnagar Kings will look to go one step further in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after finishing third last season, with Nepal’s ODI captain Sandeep Lamichhane leading a revamped squad featuring international stars Andre Russell and Charith Asalanka.
Representing Koshi Province, Biratnagar Kings has long presented itself as the pride of eastern Nepal. Lamichhane, the team’s marquee player and captain, remains central to its ambitions as the Kings target their first NPL title.
The leg-spinner, who has established himself on the international T20 circuit, will lead a side that has retained its core group of Nepali players while making significant changes to the rest of the squad.
National team players Lokesh Bam, Basir Ahmed, Pratish GC, Narayan Joshi and Subash Bhandari are among the players retained alongside Lamichhane.
From sixth place to playoff contenders
Biratnagar Kings finished sixth in the inaugural edition after winning just two matches. The franchise attracted attention that season by signing former New Zealand batter Martin Guptill.
For the second edition, the Kings strengthened their overseas contingent with Guptill, former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and fast bowler Marchant de Lange, among other notable names.
The investment helped the team make a significant improvement. Biratnagar won five of its seven league-stage matches to finish second and qualify for the playoffs.
However, its title challenge ended in disappointment. The Kings lost the first qualifier to Sudurpaschim Royals, giving them another opportunity to reach the final through the second qualifier. They then lost to Lumbini Lions, finishing third overall.
The Kings will now aim to build on last season’s progress and convert their playoff qualification into a title-winning campaign.
Core retained, squad largely rebuilt
Biratnagar Kings has retained six players from last season, with the rest of the squad undergoing substantial changes.
Alongside Lamichhane, the retained players are Lokesh Bam, Basir Ahmed, Pratish GC, Narayan Joshi and Subash Bhandari.
The franchise released players including Surya Tamang, Shankar Rana, Naren Bhatta and Sahil Patel before rebuilding through the auction.
Among its new domestic signings is medium-pacer all-rounder Rupesh Singh, who was selected through a lucky draw at the auction. The Kings also recruited Naren Saud, Dilshad Ali, Sujan Thapaliya, Aparajit Poudel, Pratik Shrestha and Imran Sheikh.
The changes mean the team’s final balance will depend on how the retained players combine with its new recruits and overseas signings.
Russell and Asalanka headline overseas signings
Biratnagar Kings has so far signed three overseas players for the third edition.
West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell is the headline addition, joining Sri Lanka’s T20 international captain Charith Asalanka and US all-rounder Shubham Ranjane, who is of Sri Lankan origin.
The franchise announced Russell’s signing after the NPL received recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Asalanka is a new addition to the squad, while Ranjane returns for a third consecutive season.
The Kings had assembled a high-profile overseas group last season, including Guptill, Du Plessis, George Munsey, Sam Heazlett and de Lange. They are expected to sign more foreign players before finalising their squad.
Sri Lankan coach Dhammika Prasad has been retained for another season.
Lamichhane key to bowling plans
With only three overseas players confirmed so far, Biratnagar Kings’ final team combination remains uncertain.
Lokesh Bam is expected to be among the options at the top of the batting order, while the franchise could recruit another overseas batter to strengthen the top order. Asalanka is likely to play a key role in the middle order, with Russell and Ranjane offering all-round options alongside Basir Ahmed in the lower order.
In the pace department, Pratish GC and Rupesh Singh are among the available options. GC is working towards full fitness following surgery for an injury, meaning the Kings may also look to add an overseas fast bowler.
Lamichhane will remain the team’s main weapon in the spin department, supported by Naren Saud and Subash Bhandari.
The captain was among the leading wicket-takers in the previous edition, sharing the tournament’s top tally with 17 wickets. His recent return to form with Nepal’s national team will be an encouraging sign for the franchise heading into the new season.
With a revamped squad, a retained coaching staff and the addition of internationally recognised players, Biratnagar Kings will hope to turn last season’s third-place finish into a stronger title challenge.
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