The much-anticipated Nepal Premier League (NPL), a franchise cricket tournament organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), is set to commence on November 30 and will run until December 21. The matches will take place at the Tribhuvan University (TU) Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu.
Among the eight participating teams, Kathmandu Gurkhas represent Bagmati Province and boast a strong lineup of local and international talent. Nepali national team all-rounder Karan KC serves as the marquee player for the Gurkhas. Other notable players include national team member Bhim Sharki, U-19 spinner Dipesh Kandel, pacer Rashid Khan, and former player Raju Rijal.
The team is coached by Basanta Shahi Thakuri, a seasoned cricket figure who was part of Nepal’s first-ever national team. Thakuri has also coached both the senior and U-19 Nepali national teams.
Team Composition and Foreign Players
Per NPL regulations, each team must recruit at least four foreign players, with a maximum cap of six based on availability. The Kathmandu Gurkhas have signed five international players: two from Associate nations and three from England.
The Gurkhas’ foreign roster includes:
- Gerhard Erasmus (Namibia)
- Michael Levitt (Netherlands)
- Stephen Eskinazi (England)
- Dan Douthwaite (England)
- Nathan Sowter (England)
Spotlight on Foreign Players
Michael Levitt (Netherlands)
The 21-year-old explosive opener made his international debut this year against Nepal. Levitt has scored 552 runs in 18 T20Is for the Netherlands and is yet to participate in other T20 leagues, making the NPL his franchise debut. A versatile player, he also bowls medium pace and has taken two wickets in international cricket.
Gerhard Erasmus (Namibia)
Namibia’s 29-year-old captain is a standout performer in Associate cricket. Erasmus has amassed 1,557 runs in 65 T20Is and an additional 2,151 runs in 125 T20 matches overall. A reliable off-break bowler, he has claimed 53 wickets in T20Is. Erasmus has experience in leagues like the International League T20.
Stephen Eskinazi (England)
A seasoned 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, Eskinazi has an impressive track record in domestic cricket. He has over 4,000 first-class runs, 1,400 List A runs, and 3,105 T20 runs, including one century and 21 fifties in 110 matches. Known for his aggressive strike rate of 140, he has played in The Hundred, Vitality Blast, and the Big Bash League.
Dan Douthwaite (England)
The 27-year-old all-rounder has yet to feature in England’s senior team but has proven his mettle in domestic T20 leagues. With 630 runs and 57 wickets in 62 matches, Douthwaite is a valuable addition to the Gurkhas. He has participated in The Hundred and Vitality Blast.
Nathan Sowter (England)
Originally from Australia, the 32-year-old leg-spinner has extensive experience, having taken 154 wickets in 143 T20 matches at an economy of 7.5. Sowter is known for his ability to turn games with his economical bowling. He has played in premier leagues like The Hundred, Vitality Blast, Caribbean Premier League, and International League T20.
Excitement Builds for the NPL
With a mix of local stars and international talent, the Kathmandu Gurkhas are poised to be strong contenders in this year’s Nepal Premier League. Fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling season as teams battle it out for cricketing glory in Kirtipur.
