Karnali Yaks among title contenders in NPL

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Premier League (NPL) franchise cricket tournament is just four days away, and Karnali Yaks is being considered a strong contender for the title.

This will be the inaugural edition of the competition, and Karnali Yaks is owned by Himalayan Builders & Engineers.

Representing the Karnali State, the team features national cricket team all-rounder Sompal Kami as a marquee player.

Sompal has played key roles for Nepal in various international tournaments, including the World Cup, where he was one of the only players from Nepal to feature in both World Cup appearances.

Alongside Sompal, the team boasts national players such as young all-rounders Gulshan Jha, Dev Khanal, Rit Gautam, Nandan Yadav, Arjun Gharti, Maazim Dhakal, Bhuwan Karki, Deependra Rawat, Unish Bikram Singh Thakuri, and Deepak Dumre. Karnali Yaks has also included local talents like Deependra Rawat, Arjun Gharti, and Unish Singh Thakuri.

The majority of Karnali Yaks players have experience playing in domestic and national team competitions. Additionally, the team has signed five foreign players to bolster their lineup. As per the NPL regulations, each team is required to sign at least four foreign players, with the option to recruit up to six.

Karnali Yaks has successfully attracted Indian cricket star Shikhar Dhawan, making a major headline ahead of the tournament.

Dhawan’s arrival significantly enhances the team’s stature, given his previous involvement in major cricket tournaments like the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2016 and 2018 Asia Cups, where he played pivotal roles.

Dhawan has also been part of the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for teams such as Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Deccan Chargers, and Punjab Kings.

Other notable foreign players in Karnali Yaks include Hong Kong’s explosive batsman Babar Hayat, Pakistan’s all-rounder Hussain Talat, West Indies’ Chadwick Walton, and Oman’s Zishan Moksud. Hayat, who has previously played in various Nepalese leagues like the Pokhara Premier League, Everest Premier League, and Dhangadhi Premier League, is expected to bring his explosive batting skills to the team.

Talat, who has experience in leagues such as South Africa’s Mzansi Super League and Pakistan Super League, is also anticipated to play a crucial role as an all-rounder. Chadwick Walton, the West Indian right-handed batsman, brings valuable experience from playing in major leagues like the Bangladesh Premier League, Sri Lanka Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, and Pakistan Super League. Zishan Moksud, former Oman captain and all-rounder, will add strength to both the batting and bowling departments.

Karnali Yaks is also receiving strong support from the Nepal government.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli praised the team’s potential, mentioning the strength of Karnali’s cool waters and advising them to prepare thoroughly for the next T20 World Cup.

The head coach of Karnali Yaks is former national team captain Gyanendra Malla, who has expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and their chances of winning the title.

The team’s iconic player is Bipin Prasad Sharma, while popular Nepali actress Swastima Khadka has been signed as the team’s brand ambassador.

Additionally, Karnali Yaks has appointed Sisan Baniya as the “Youth Brand Ambassador.” Baniya is a well-known figure in the Nepali blogging community and Nepali cinema.

The NPL, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), will take place from Nov 30 to Dec 21. Karnali Yaks will play their first match against Janakpur on Nov 30.

The competition will feature eight teams: Kathmandu Gorakhaz, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Sudurpaschim Royals, and Karnali Yaks.