Kathmandu, October 24
Pokhara Avengers, the most expensive franchise in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), are aiming to make history in the third edition by reaching the playoffs for the first time.
Representing Gandaki Province and captained by Kushal Bhurtel, Pokhara Avengers have built competitive squads in the first two editions but have failed to progress beyond the league stage. They are the only team yet to qualify for the playoffs, making a top-four finish their immediate target before setting their sights on the title.
Beyond cricket, Pokhara Avengers have also attracted attention through initiatives such as the Glaciers Matter campaign and concerts designed to connect cricket with music. The franchise has previously signed international stars including Jason Roy and Jimmy Neesham.
Pokhara Avengers first featured in the Cricket Association of Nepal’s Nepal T20 League in 2022 before joining the NPL as a high-value franchise when the competition began in 2024.
Ahead of the third edition, the franchise has retained its domestic core while making changes to its coaching staff, overseas contingent and management setup. The arrival of Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is among its biggest moves so far.
Core domestic players retained
Pokhara Avengers have retained seven players, including captain Bhurtel, Dinesh Kharel, Arjun Kumal, Sagar Dhakal, Aakash Chand, Bipin Khatri and Kiran Thagunna.
Several of these players have been part of the franchise since the inaugural season. Young batter Arjun Kumal, who joined through the auction ahead of the second edition, has also been retained.
Sudip Aryal, who was selected as an iconic player through the talent hunt before the previous season, was released but subsequently brought back through the auction. The franchise has also signed wicketkeeper Arjun Gharti after releasing batter Tirtha Raj Das.
Other auction recruits include Sudip Aryal, Bibek Rana Magar, Sunny BK, Pratik Pokharel and Bipin Acharya, alongside Gharti.
Pokhara have retained several top-order batting options as well as two spinners and a medium-pacer. With a wicketkeeper added through the auction, the remaining overseas signings will be important in completing the squad.
Shakib adds international experience
Pokhara Avengers have announced five overseas players from their six available slots, with Shakib Al Hasan the headline recruit.
The former Bangladesh captain is expected to strengthen both the middle-order batting and spin-bowling departments. Sri Lankan all-rounder Dhananjaya Lakshan has been retained, while Chamika Karunaratne, Mehidy Hasan and Mohammad Saifuddin are also part of the overseas contingent announced so far.
Lakshan can contribute with the bat in the middle order and provide medium-pace bowling when required. Karunaratne offers another pace-bowling all-round option, while Mehidy provides additional all-round depth and Saifuddin adds bowling resources.
The mix gives Pokhara flexibility in selecting their playing XI, with several overseas players capable of contributing in more than one discipline.
Pace bowling and finishing remain priorities
Bhurtel, Kharel and Kumal provide batting options, while Gharti adds wicketkeeping depth. Shakib and Lakshan can strengthen the middle order, and Thagunna offers power-hitting potential.
However, Pokhara Avengers still have four overseas slots to fill. A specialist overseas fast bowler appears to be one of the team’s most pressing needs, while a reliable finisher could further improve the balance.
The franchise also has several spin options. Bhurtel and Kharel can contribute with spin, alongside Shakib, Sagar Dhakal and Bipin Khatri. With multiple all-rounders in the squad, adding a specialist batter could give the team greater flexibility without weakening its bowling choices.
The final balance will depend on Pokhara’s remaining overseas signings. After two seasons without a playoff appearance, the franchise will need its recruitment strategy and retained core to translate into more consistent performances if it is to finally break into the knockout stage.
