KATHMANDU, Nov 29: Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has arrived in Nepal to participate in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on behalf of the Karnali Yaks.
Dhawan, the 38-year-old left-handed opener, landed at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on Friday, where he was warmly welcomed by Karnali Yaks' owner Jhanak Dutt Khanal and co-owner Grihendra Ghimire, both representing Himalayan Builders and Engineers.
A seasoned player, Dhawan has represented India and several IPL teams, including Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. He is regarded as one of the most successful cricketers globally, having led Sunrisers Hyderabad to an IPL title in 2016. He has also captained India to victory in the ACC Asia Cup. His arrival marks the biggest and most renowned name to compete in the NPL.
Karnali Yaks rope in Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan for NPL
The Karnali Yaks, coached by Gyanendra Malla and supported by marquee player Sompal Kami, have signed four international players: Chadwick Walton, a West Indies Test cricketer; Babar Hayat, a seasoned player for Hong Kong; and Zeeshan Maqsood, former captain of Oman.
The team also includes Nepal national team players such as Gulshan Jha, Dev Khanal, and Nandan Yadav. In addition, Arjun Gharti, Rit Gautam, Mausam Dhakal, and Bhuwan Karki are part of the team from Category B, while Deepak Dumre, Dipendra Rawat, and Unish Bikram Singh Thakuri are included from Category C. Bipin Prasad Sharma has been selected as an iconic player through the talent hunt.
Earlier, Karnali Yaks appointed actress Swastima Khadka as the team's brand ambassador and Sisan Baniya as the Youth Ambassador. Hotel Hilton is the hospitality partner for the team. The competition will run from November 30 to December 21. Karnali Yaks will play their opening match against Janakpur.
