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Top foreign stars to shape NPL 2025

The impact of Zaib and Milantha last season underscores the critical role of foreign talent in the NPL.

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KATHMANDU: The Nepal Premier League (NPL) is gearing up for another thrilling season, with foreign players expected to play a decisive role once again.

Last season, Saif Zaib from Sudurpaschim made headlines as the Player of the Day series, while Sri Lankan-born American batsman Milantha emerged as the tournament’s top run-scorer. In the final alone, Milantha scored 87 runs off 49 balls, a key performance that led Janakpur to the championship.

The impact of Zaib and Milantha last season underscores the critical role of foreign talent in the NPL.

According to NPL regulations, each team can field seven Nepali and four foreign players in the playing XI. Despite the limited foreign player quota, their influence on the game is disproportionately high.

Franchise teams have adopted different strategies: some bring in marquee players to dominate and attract attention, while others sign in-form overseas players to assert control on the field.

Key Foreign Signings for NPL 2025:

Faf du Plessis (South Africa) – Biratnagar Kings
Faf du Plessis, one of the most high-profile signings, is known for his calm and composed batting and ability to build innings. A two-time IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings (2018 & 2021), du Plessis has also captained RCB and the South African T20I side between 2012–2019. He has scored 11,996 runs in 424 T20 matches worldwide and led Saint Lucia Kings to the 2024 Caribbean Premier League title. His presence is expected to significantly boost Biratnagar’s branding and on-field performance.
Jason Roy (England) – Pokhara Avengers
The 35-year-old right-handed opener is celebrated for his fearless stroke play and swashbuckling style. Roy has left his mark across major T20 leagues including IPL, BBL, and PSL. He has scored 1,522 runs in 64 T20 internationals for England, with six centuries and 69 half-centuries in 412 T20 matches globally. His experience and explosive ability make him a key figure for Pokhara.
Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand) – Pokhara Avengers
Janakpur could not secure Neesham’s services this season due to the marquee player quota, so the all-rounder joins Pokhara. Neesham, an active Test player, struck runs at nearly a 200 strike rate last season and has scored 1,010 runs and taken 56 wickets in 93 T20Is. He has played for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and over 30 franchise teams worldwide.
Imran Tahir & Wayne Parnell (South Africa) – Janakpur
Janakpur has secured leg-spinner Imran Tahir, 46, and left-arm pacer Wayne Parnell, both returning after a two-year hiatus from South African leagues. Tahir has played for 50 teams globally, with 63 wickets and 19 runs in 30 T20Is. Parnell adds depth to the bowling attack.
Chris Lynn (Australia) – Sudurpaschim
Making his NPL debut, Lynn has played 18 international matches, scoring 291 runs. While not actively featuring in the national team currently, he has maintained impressive performances in IPL, BBL, and CPL.
Gulbadin Naib (Afghanistan) – Lumbini Lions
The experienced all-rounder has played 78 internationals, scoring 986 runs and taking 35 wickets. He has also played for Delhi Capitals in IPL and has franchise league experience in associate nations.
Other notable signings:
- Najibullah (Afghanistan) – Karnali Yaks
- Scott Kuggeleijn (New Zealand) – Sudurpaschim – Kuggeleijn, a fast bowler, claimed joint-most 17 wickets last season alongside Janakpur’s Lalit Rajbanshi.

Currently, Biratnagar Kings are the most talked-about team for their foreign roster, including Faf du Plessis, Morné de Lange, Martin Guptill (New Zealand), George Munsey (Scotland), and Sam Heazlett (Australia).

Past surprises:

Despite being a weaker squad on paper, Chitwan Rhinos reached the playoffs last season, mainly due to foreign duo Sohail Tanvir and Ravi Bopara.

Tanvir claimed 14 wickets in the season, including five in the opening match against Kathmandu Gorkhas, while Bopara scored 286 runs in 8 matches.

Milantha’s innings in the final relegated Bopara to the second-highest run-scorer. Chitwan also signed England’s David Malan, 38, who had been inactive for two years.

Global Representation: