The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 auction took place in October, with wicketkeeper-batter Anil Kumar Sah attracting a significant bid of NRs 1.5 million. He was one of 13 players to be bought at the highest bid, a move that stirred excitement among the eight participating teams.
The inaugural NPL will run from November 30 to December 21, with all matches held at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Nepal. The tournament will feature 32 matches across three weeks, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal.
Teams and Squads for NPL 2024
Eight teams will compete in the 2024 edition of the NPL, including Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, Sudurpaschim Royals, and Chitwan Rhinos. Each team will have a 16-member squad, with 10 players selected from the October auction.
Additionally, each team will sign one marquee player, four foreign players, and one iconic local player chosen through a talent hunt. Foreign players include Shikhar Dhawan (Karnali Yaks), Martin Guptill (Biratnagar Kings), and James Neesham (Janakpur Bolts), among others.
Detailed Squad Breakdown
The squads of the eight teams have a mix of local talent and international stars:
- Biratnagar Kings: Featuring marquee player Sandeep Lamichhane and star international Martin Guptill, along with players like Lokesh Bam and Pratish GC.
- Janakpur Bolts: Led by Aasif Sheikh as the marquee player and including Anil Kumar Sah, who was highly sought after during the auction.
- Karnali Yaks: With marquee player Sompal Kami and Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, the team also boasts players like Chadwick Walton and Hussain Talat.
- Kathmandu Gurkhas: Headlined by marquee player Karan KC, along with foreign talent like Michael Levitt and Gerhard Erasmus.
- Lumbini Lions: Rohit Kumar Paudel takes the marquee spot, supported by players like Ben Cutting and Tom Moores.
- Pokhara Avengers: Kushal Bhurtel as marquee player and international players Bas De Leede and Andries Gous bolster the squad.
- Sudurpaschim Royals: Dipendra Singh Airee leads the team, with international players like Scott Kuggeleijn and Rohan Mustafa.
- Chitwan Rhinos: Marquee player Kushal Malla anchors the squad, alongside key players like Marchant de Lange and Luc Benkenstein.
This diverse mix of local and international players promises an exciting and competitive season for the inaugural Nepal Premier League.
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