Karnali Yaks, a team in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) under the ownership of Himalayan Builders & Engineers, has appointed former Nepali national cricket team captain Gyanendra Malla as their head coach & Cricket Director. The announcement was made during a press conference in Kathmandu on Monday. Malla, who also serves as the coach for Nepal’s ‘A’ team, is set to lead Karnali Yaks in the upcoming NPL season.
Earlier, Himalayan Builders had acquired Karnali Yaks for NPR 1,11,70,000.00 and secured national all-rounder Sompal Kami as their marquee player.
Gyanendra Malla, who represented Nepal’s national cricket team for over 15 years, retired from international cricket in 2023. During his career, he played 45 T20 internationals, scoring 883 runs, including a century against Bhutan in 2019.
Speaking at the event, Jhanak Dutta Khanal, owner of Karnali Yaks, expressed his excitement about bringing Malla on board, stating, “We are thrilled to have the former captain of the national team join us. His presence will undoubtedly take the team to new heights.”
Malla, in turn, shared his enthusiasm about joining the team. “I feel fortunate to be part of Karnali Yaks in the NPL. Their vision and plan inspired me. I’m excited to share my experience with the team and help them succeed.”
During the same event, Grihendra Ghimire was appointed as the team’s director. He expressed his commitment to elevating both Nepali cricket and the Karnali Yaks.
Karnali Yaks Unveil Team Logo
The Karnali Yaks also revealed their official team logo during the press conference. Himalayan Builders & Engineers, the team’s owner, presented the logo as the team prepares for the Nepal Premier League, set to take place from November 30 to December 21, 2024.
Team owner Jhanak Dutta Khanal, while unveiling the logo, spoke about the cultural and symbolic significance of the team. “Karnali Yaks will represent not just the province but the spirit and resilience of its people. We aim to inspire the youth and contribute to the development of cricket in Nepal. Karnali is not just a place on the map; it’s a symbol of strength and determination,” he said.
The event featured a special display of the yak, which the team will represent as a symbol of Karnali’s identity.
Several prominent figures attended the event, including Members of Parliament Gyanendra Shahi, Binita Kathayat, Manish Jha, Sobita Gautam, and Paras Khadka, secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).
