KATHMANDU, Nov 14: Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan will play for Karnali Yaks in the upcoming edition of Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Karnali Yaks, who represent Karnali Province, announced on Wednesday the signing of Dhawan, who has played all three formats of cricket for the Indian national team.
Jhanak Dutt Khanal, the owner of Karnali Yaks, signed the agreement with Dhawan amid a program on Wednesday. The parties to the agreement have not disclosed the amount of the tie-up. Karnali Yaks’ owner Jhanak Dutt Khanal and Dhawan, along with Nepal’s Acting Ambassador to India, Dr Surendra Thapa, and Karnali Yaks co-owner Grihendra Ghimire, were present at the agreement signing ceremony.
Dhawan, the 38-year-old left-handed opener, has played in the IPL for Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. He is considered one of the most successful players in world cricket. He led Hyderabad to the IPL title in 2016. Similarly, he led India to the ACC Asia Cup title.
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Owner Jhanak Dutt Khanal expressed his happiness after signing Dhawan for his team. He said that it is a great achievement for Nepali cricket.
Nepal’s Acting Ambassador to India, Thapa said that bringing Shikhar Dhawan to Nepal through Karnali Yaks gives a positive message for tourism promotion.
Dhawan has scored 2,313 runs in 32 Tests for India. He has also scored 6,793 runs in 167 ODIs. Similarly, he has scored 1,759 runs in 68 T20 internationals.
Co-owner Grihendra Ghimire said that he was able to sign Dhawan despite huge financial challenges.
Dhawan said that he is excited to play for Karnali Yaks in the upcoming league.
Karnali Yaks, headed by Gyanendra Malla, has brought in the fourth foreign player. Earlier, West Indies' Chadwick Antonio Kirkpatrick Walton, Pakistan's all-rounder Mohammad Hussain Talat and Hong Kong's Babar Hayat had confirmed to play in the NPL on behalf of Karnali Yaks.
Karnali Yaks’ marquee player is national team fast bowler Sompal Kami. Similarly, the team includes national team players Gulshan Jha, Dev Khanal and Nandan Yadav. Other players from the 'B' category include Arjun Gharti, Rit Gautam, Mausam Dhakal and Bhuwan Karki. Deepak Dumre along with Dipendra Rawat and Yunish Bikram Singh Thakuri from the 'C' category.
Earlier, Karnali Yaks had appointed actor Swastima Khadka as the 'Face of Karnali Yaks'. Similarly, the team's hospitality partner is Hilton Hotel. The tournament will be held from November 30 to December 21.
