NPL 2026 Players to Watch: The Nepali Stars Who Could Decide the Title

The overseas names grab headlines, but the NPL is won and lost by Nepali players. Seven of every XI have to be local, after all. Here are the ones I will be watching most closely.

Rohit Kumar Paudel, Lumbini Lions

The champion captain. Calm, smart, and he bats in the spot where games get decided. Keeping Lumbini motivated after a title is his biggest job.

Dipendra Singh Airee, Sudurpaschim Royals

Probably the most complete T20 player in Nepal. Hits sixes, bowls tidy off-spin, fields brilliantly. After two lost finals, nobody wants this trophy more.

Sandeep Lamichhane, Biratnagar Kings

When he is on song, batters just do not pick his googly. Biratnagar's whole plan revolves around his four overs.

Kushal Bhurtel, Pokhara Avengers

An opener who can take a powerplay apart. If Pokhara are going to make a run, Bhurtel probably has a lot to do with it.

Aasif Sheikh, Lumbini Lions

The auction's big story. Keeper, opener, and now in a team that already won the thing. Watch how Lumbini use him.

Kushal Malla, Chitwan Rhinos

Capable of the kind of innings that ends up on every highlight reel. Consistency is the question, but on his day he wins matches alone.

Sompal Kami, Karnali Yaks

The old pro of Nepal's bowling. Swing early, yorkers late. Karnali will lean on him.

Karan KC, Kathmandu Gurkhas

Hits the ball miles and bowls the hard overs. With David Warner at the top, KC's job of finishing will matter even more.

And one to look out for

Every NPL produces a young player nobody expected. My advice: watch the bowlers in the 12:30pm games when fewer people are watching. That is where reputations start.

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