Squads note · 22 Oct 2026
The same eight franchises have played every NPL season since 2024. Below are the overseas signings confirmed by Nepali press, each team's record in the first two seasons and the Nepal internationals to watch. We list only names we could confirm; squad lists circulating online include players with no announced contract.
NPL teams 2026 at a glance
The NPL team list has not changed since the first season. Here are the eight NPL teams and NPL squads with their record and confirmed overseas players.
| Team | 2024 | 2025 | Confirmed overseas signings 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biratnagar Kings | – | – | None announced by mid-August |
| Chitwan Rhinos | – | – | Ravi Bopara (England) |
| Janakpur Bolts | Champions | – | Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand), Harmeet Singh (USA, captain) |
| Karnali Yaks | – | – | Hussain Talat (Pakistan) reported |
| Kathmandu Gorkhas | – | – | David Warner (Australia), KS Bharat (India), Sahan Arachchige (Sri Lanka) |
| Lumbini Lions | – | Champions | Niroshan Dickwella (Sri Lanka) |
| Pokhara Avengers | – | – | Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh), Dhananjaya Lakshan (Sri Lanka) |
| Sudurpaschim Royals | Runners-up | Runners-up | Scott Kuggeleijn (New Zealand), Saif Zaib (England) |
Nepal internationals across the NPL squads
| Player | Team | Why watch |
|---|---|---|
| Sandeep Lamichhane | Biratnagar Kings | Joint top wicket-taker in 2025 (17) |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | Sudurpaschim Royals | 50 off 23 balls in Nepal's T20 World Cup win over Scotland |
| Sher Malla | Lumbini Lions | Joint top wicket-taker in 2025 (17) |
| Abinash Bohara | Sudurpaschim Royals | Joint top wicket-taker in 2025 (17) |
| Lalit Rajbanshi | Janakpur Bolts | Joint top wicket-taker in 2024 (17) |
| Rohit Paudel | Lumbini Lions | Leading batter for the holders |
All NPL squads mix Nepal internationals, domestic players and a small group of overseas signings. The NPL teams 2026 list above shows only overseas names reported by Nepali press.
Kathmandu Gorkhas
The biggest signing of the season: David Warner joined on 15 September, alongside Indian wicketkeeper KS Bharat and Sri Lankan Sahan Arachchige. Karan KC is among the Nepal internationals in the squad. First match: v Janakpur Bolts, Thu 29 Oct, 12:30.
Janakpur Bolts
The first NPL champions, who chased 185 to beat Sudurpaschim Royals by five wickets in the 2024 final. Jimmy Neesham returns as their "Test-category" overseas player after a season with Pokhara, and US international Harmeet Singh joins as captain. Lalit Rajbanshi was joint top wicket-taker of 2024 with 17. First match: v Karnali Yaks, Tue 27 Oct, 17:00.
Lumbini Lions
The defending champions. In 2025 they finished fourth in the league, then won the Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the final, where they bowled Sudurpaschim out for 85 and won by six wickets in nine overs. Sher Malla shared the 2025 wicket-taking lead with 17; Rohit Paudel is in the squad; Niroshan Dickwella is the confirmed overseas addition. First match: the opener v Sudurpaschim Royals, Mon 26 Oct, 17:00.
Sudurpaschim Royals
Two seasons, two finals, two defeats. Saif Zaib was player of the tournament in 2024 and is back; Scott Kuggeleijn, joint top wicket-taker in 2024, returns too. Dipendra Singh Airee and Abinash Bohara (17 wickets in 2025) are the Nepal names to watch. First match: the opener v Lumbini Lions.
Pokhara Avengers
Shakib Al Hasan signed in July, with Sri Lankan Dhananjaya Lakshan. In 2025 Pokhara's Adam Rossington was the league's top run-scorer with 323. Kushal Bhurtel is among the Nepal internationals in the squad. First match: v Sudurpaschim Royals, Wed 28 Oct, 17:00.
Biratnagar Kings
Sandeep Lamichhane shared the 2025 wicket-taking lead with 17. Biratnagar had not announced overseas players when Nepali press reviewed the signings in mid-August. First match: v Chitwan Rhinos, Tue 27 Oct, 12:30.
Chitwan Rhinos
England's Ravi Bopara is the confirmed overseas signing, with former Pakistan bowler Sohail Tanvir as head coach. Kushal Malla is among the Nepal internationals. First match: v Biratnagar Kings, Tue 27 Oct, 12:30.
Karnali Yaks
Nepali press reported Pakistan's Hussain Talat joining the Karnali squad in October, one of the last NPL squads to name an overseas player. Sompal Kami is among the Nepal internationals. First match: v Janakpur Bolts, Tue 27 Oct, 17:00.
Follow your NPL team live
All NPL teams stream on NetTV and air on Himalaya Television in Nepal. The full fixture list by team is on the NPL schedule; standings are on the points table; and our NPL 2026 prediction ranks the squads.
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NPL teams FAQ
How many teams are in the NPL?
Eight: Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Janakpur Bolts, Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers and Sudurpaschim Royals.
Which team signed David Warner?
Kathmandu Gorkhas, on 15 September 2026.
Who plays for Pokhara Avengers in 2026?
Confirmed overseas signings are Shakib Al Hasan and Dhananjaya Lakshan.
Who are the NPL holders?
Lumbini Lions, champions in 2025.