Shakib, Mendis lead star-studded foreign signings as NPL Season 3 hype builds

The date for the third season of the Nepal Premier League is still under wraps, but the franchises are already operating at full throttle. With early foreign signings rolling in, the teams are sending a clear message: season three is aiming for a whole new level.

The first season of the Festival of Himalayas was itself a bang. Biratnagar Kings brought Martin Guptill; Ravi Bopara and Sohail Tanvir played for Chitwan Rhinos; James Neesham became the fan favourite as he helped Janakpur Bolts win the inaugural edition; Lumbini Lions had Ben Cutting and Karnali Yaks had Shikhar Dhawan for a few matches; and Pokhara Avengers had Raymon Reifer. These players excited thousands of fans who packed the TU International Cricket Ground’s grassy banks for every match.

And the second season got bigger as the likes of Faf du Plessis, Chris Lynn and Wayne Parnell showed their skills at the TU International Cricket Stadium—playing under newly installed floodlights and in front of concrete grandstands, signalling the tournament’s rapid evolution.

NPL Season 3 is not far. The auction of domestic players concluded on July 6. Now all eyes are fixed on the big foreign names that will hit boundaries and take wickets at the home of Nepali cricket.

Fan expectations are soaring following the first wave of overseas announcements over the past few days. Leading the charge are Pokhara Avengers, who set the tone by unveiling two of the biggest cricketing names of South Asia, sending a clear message about their title ambitions this season.

The Avengers have failed to reach the playoffs in the last two seasons. But, for now, it seems the Avengers could be one of the favourites in the third season. Their ambition is underlined by two high-profile appointments: former Sri Lankan mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis as head coach on July 19 and Bangladeshi icon Shakib Al Hasan as their all-round weapon on Monday.

Hasan’s resume speaks for itself. He is the second-leading run scorer for Bangladesh in T2oIs, third in ODIs and fourth in Tests. He is the leading wickettaker for Bangladesh in ODIs and second in T20Is and Tests.

It is a different thing that Hasan has not played for the Tigers since the Test against India in Kanpur in September-October 2024; but his match-winning pedigree remains undeniable. His subtle variations with the ball and explosive middle-order hitting can still bamboozle the world’s best and turn any match in Pokhara’s favour.

Similarly, speculations have begun regarding the team’s overall improvement with Mendis at the helm.

Mendis last played for Sri Lanka in the ODI against New Zealand on December 16, 2015. He, however, announced his retirement from international cricket in September 2019.

“I have completed level three coaching, and I will support Sri Lanka Cricket in the capacity as a coach if they need me in the future,” Mendis had said during the press conference after announcing his retirement. He had then joined the Sri Lanka Army cricket team’s coaching staff.

Mendis has now said that he is excited to join Pokhara Avengers for the NPL.

“I am really excited to be joining Pokhara Avengers as the head coach,” Mendis said in a video message recently. “I can’t wait to work with our players, staff and lovely supporters. Let’s make this season something special guys.”

Meanwhile, another big name from Sri Lanka is likely to be announced in the next few days by defending champions Lumbini Lions.

In a video uploaded on Tuesday evening, the Lions have shown the Sri Lankan flag before a shadow of a player sitting on a throne, caressing a lion.

The Sri Lankan will be the second foreign signing for the third season of the Lions, as they had, on July 24, announced the retention of Ruben Trumpelmann, the player of the tournament of the second season.

Meanwhile, Biratnagar Kings are yet to reveal the two signings they had left the fans to guess on July 25 through a social media post, where the caption said, “The throne awaits. Who will be crowned next?” The photo shows two players seated on a sofa.

Chitwan Rhinos have also revealed that they will have a new coach for the third season. They were led by Kalam Ali before.

The Rhinos posted a short video on July 25 and showed that a new coach was coming. The fans are still guessing who would take charge of the Rhinos.

Janakpur Bolts, who shocked the fans by releasing Aasif Sheikh for the third season, have also left the Bolts Army guessing who the new signing is. They had also posted a short video, where a yeti-like figure grabs the lightning, on July 25.

The only teams that are yet to get in the queue of foreign signings’ announcements are Kathmandu Gorkhas, Sudurpaschim Royals and Karnali Yaks.

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