NPL 2026 Foreign Players List: Complete Overseas Players List
NPL 2026 Foreign Players: How the Overseas Signings Work
The Nepal Premier League has always punched above its weight when it comes to attracting international talent, and Season 3 is no different. The eight franchises have signed 21 overseas players between them for NPL 2026, with each squad carrying between two and four foreign cricketers. From World Cup winners like David Warner and Shakib Al Hasan to proven T20 globetrotters like Moeen Ali, Jimmy Neesham and Sikandar Raza, the foreign contingent gives the tournament genuine star power. For the full picture of every squad, see our complete NPL 2026 squads page.
Overseas players tend to decide tight T20 games — a single match-winning spell or a 30-ball fifty from an experienced international can swing a season. The NPL’s own history proves it: England’s Saif Zaib was named the best player of the inaugural edition, New Zealand quick Scott Kuggeleijn finished joint-highest wicket-taker that season, and Namibia’s Ruben Trumpelmann was the player of the series in 2025. With all 32 matches at Kirtipur’s TU International Cricket Ground, foreign recruits with subcontinent experience — particularly spinners and versatile all-rounders — are worth their weight in gold. Check the NPL 2026 schedule to see when each team’s overseas stars take the field.
The franchises invested heavily at the auction to secure this talent — defending champions Lumbini Lions spent a league-high NPR 44 lakh, Janakpur Bolts splashed 41.25 lakh and Biratnagar Kings 37.25 lakh. With the tournament running from 26 October to 21 November, all at a single venue, adaptability to Kirtipur’s conditions will matter as much as star names, which is why so many teams targeted players with prior NPL or subcontinent experience.
Complete NPL 2026 Foreign Players List
Here is every overseas signing across all eight franchises for the 2026 season:
| Player | Team | Country | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charith Asalanka | Biratnagar Kings | Sri Lanka | Batter |
| Shubham Ranjane | Biratnagar Kings | USA | All-rounder |
| Sikandar Raza | Chitwan Rhinos | Zimbabwe | All-rounder |
| Ravi Bopara | Chitwan Rhinos | England | All-rounder |
| Kaleem Sana | Chitwan Rhinos | Canada | Bowler |
| Harmeet Singh (c) | Janakpur Bolts | USA | All-rounder |
| Moeen Ali | Janakpur Bolts | England | All-rounder |
| Jimmy Neesham | Janakpur Bolts | New Zealand | All-rounder |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | Janakpur Bolts | Pakistan | All-rounder |
| Mark Watt | Karnali Yaks | Scotland | Bowler |
| Akbar Ali | Karnali Yaks | Bangladesh | Wicketkeeper |
| David Warner | Kathmandu Gurkhas | Australia | Batter |
| KS Bharat | Kathmandu Gurkhas | India | Wicketkeeper |
| Sahan Arachchige | Kathmandu Gurkhas | Sri Lanka | — |
| Ruben Trumpelmann | Lumbini Lions | Namibia | Bowler |
| Niroshan Dickwella | Lumbini Lions | Sri Lanka | Wicketkeeper |
| Shakib Al Hasan | Pokhara Avengers | Bangladesh | All-rounder |
| Dhananjaya Lakshan | Pokhara Avengers | Sri Lanka | — |
| Saif Ali Zaib | Sudurpaschim Royals | England | All-rounder |
| Scott Kuggeleijn | Sudurpaschim Royals | New Zealand | All-rounder |
| Brandon McMullen | Sudurpaschim Royals | Scotland | All-rounder |
NPL Overseas Players Team by Team
A closer look at each franchise’s foreign contingent for Season 3:
Biratnagar Kings Overseas Players
Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka is the Kings’ marquee overseas signing, anchoring the batting with his international experience, while USA all-rounder Shubham Ranjane returns for a second stint after featuring for Biratnagar in 2025. Both add middle-order stability and bowling depth under Sandeep Lamichhane’s captaincy, in a squad built for Kirtipur’s spin-friendly conditions.
Chitwan Rhinos Foreign Players
The Rhinos boast one of the strongest overseas trios in the league. Zimbabwe great Sikandar Raza and England veteran Ravi Bopara stiffen the middle order — and both can bowl their full quota of overs — while Canada’s Kaleem Sana shares the new ball. It is a well-balanced foreign group that gives captain Kushal Malla enviable flexibility.
Janakpur Bolts Overseas Signings
The inaugural 2024 champions have the most experienced foreign contingent in NPL 2026. USA international Harmeet Singh leads the side as captain, joined by three proven winners: England’s Moeen Ali, New Zealand’s Jimmy Neesham and Pakistan’s Iftikhar Ahmed. Four world-class all-rounders in one squad is unmatched anywhere else in the league.
Karnali Yaks Foreign Players
Karnali have picked their two overseas signings specifically for Kirtipur’s turning tracks. Scotland spinner Mark Watt brings control through the middle overs, while Bangladesh’s Akbar Ali adds wicketkeeping depth and international pedigree to Sompal Kami’s disciplined, homegrown squad.
Kathmandu Gurkhas Overseas Stars
The signing of the season: Australia’s David Warner will open the batting for Kathmandu, bringing a glittering international career to the NPL. He is joined by India’s KS Bharat behind the stumps and Sri Lanka’s Sahan Arachchige, giving the Gurkhas arguably the most top-heavy overseas batting unit in the tournament.
Lumbini Lions Overseas Players
The defending champions have kept faith with proven NPL performers in their two overseas slots. Namibia quick Ruben Trumpelmann — the 2025 player of the series — returns to lead the attack, while Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella adds experience behind the stumps and at the top of the order for Rohit Paudel’s title holders.
Pokhara Avengers Foreign Signings
Pokhara’s overseas pair is box office. Bangladesh legend Shakib Al Hasan brings world-class all-round quality and a wealth of T20 league experience, joined by Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya Lakshan. With Shakib slotting into the middle order, the Avengers look well-balanced for a serious playoff push.
Sudurpaschim Royals Overseas Players
The twice-beaten finalists have an overseas trio that knows Nepali conditions inside out. England’s Saif Ali Zaib returns after being named the best player of the first edition, New Zealand quick Scott Kuggeleijn is back after his 17-wicket inaugural season, and Scotland’s Brandon McMullen completes a formidable set under Dipendra Singh Airee’s captaincy.
NPL 2026 Overseas Stars to Watch
A few foreign names stand out as potential season-definers:
David Warner (Kathmandu Gurkhas): The biggest signing in NPL history. Warner’s explosive opening batting has lit up T20 leagues around the world, and his presence alone raises Kathmandu’s ceiling. Expect fireworks at the top of the order from ball one.
Shakib Al Hasan (Pokhara Avengers): One of the greatest T20 all-rounders ever. Shakib’s left-arm spin is made for Kirtipur’s turning surface, and his middle-order batting gives Pokhara a genuine match-winner in both disciplines.
Moeen Ali (Janakpur Bolts): England’s World Cup-winning all-rounder brings off-spin and clean six-hitting. On turning tracks, Moeen could be the most valuable overseas player in the entire league.
Jimmy Neesham (Janakpur Bolts): New Zealand’s big-match all-rounder has a habit of producing clutch moments. His power-hitting at the death and clever medium pace make him a key asset in the Bolts’ title defence push.
Sikandar Raza (Chitwan Rhinos): Zimbabwe’s talisman is among the most consistent all-rounders in franchise cricket. Raza’s spin and finishing ability could carry Chitwan deep into the tournament.
Charith Asalanka (Biratnagar Kings): Sri Lanka’s stylish left-hander anchors the Kings’ batting as their marquee signing. If Asalanka fires consistently, Biratnagar’s playoff chances rise sharply.
Ruben Trumpelmann (Lumbini Lions): The 2025 player of the series is back to defend the title with the Lions. His left-arm pace and new-ball swing make him one of the most dangerous overseas bowlers in the competition.
Saif Ali Zaib (Sudurpaschim Royals): The best player of the inaugural NPL season returns to the Royals. Zaib’s 275 runs and 12 wickets in that first edition showed exactly the two-dimensional impact overseas all-rounders can have.
Catch every overseas star in action — here is how to watch NPL 2026 live streaming from anywhere in the world.
NPL Foreign Players FAQs
How many overseas players are in NPL 2026?
There are 21 overseas players across the eight franchises in NPL 2026. Each squad carries between two and four foreign cricketers.
Which team has the most foreign players in NPL 2026?
Janakpur Bolts have the largest overseas contingent with four: captain Harmeet Singh (USA), Moeen Ali (England), Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand) and Iftikhar Ahmed (Pakistan).
Who is the biggest overseas signing of NPL 2026?
David Warner, signed by the Kathmandu Gurkhas, is the biggest overseas signing of the season — one of the most decorated T20 openers in cricket history.
Which countries do the NPL 2026 overseas players come from?
The 21 foreign players represent 12 nations: Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, India, Namibia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, Sri Lanka, USA and Zimbabwe.
Can an overseas player captain an NPL team?
Yes — Janakpur Bolts have appointed USA international Harmeet Singh as their captain for Season 3, making him the only overseas captain in NPL 2026.
When does NPL 2026 start?
NPL 2026 runs from 26 October to 21 November 2026, with all 32 matches at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. See the full NPL 2026 schedule for fixtures and timings.