The much-awaited Nepal Premier League (NPL) is just a week away from its start. Unlike in previous editions, this year’s franchise league is being organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), making it the most significant tournament in the country’s cricketing calendar. As excitement builds, here’s a look at three players who could shine in the tournament.
Aashutosh Ghiraiya
The first player on the list is Aashutosh Ghiraiya, a tall, lanky opening batter who is set to represent the Lumbini Lions, captained by national skipper Rohit Paudel. Ghiraiya gained prominence earlier this year when he finished just four runs shy of being the leading run-scorer in the Prime Minister Cup, amassing 382 runs with one century and two fifties for Bagmati Province, who finished third behind Nepal Police and Tribhuwan Army.
As a result, Ghiraiya was included in Nepal’s ‘A’ side that played three one-dayers against Canada. In those matches, he managed 28 off 43 balls in one of the games, showcasing glimpses of his potential. In the Bir Ganeshman Singh National T20 Championship, he made headlines again, smashing a scintillating 101 off just 56 balls against Gandaki Province, with seven fours and six sixes in his innings.
Having already notched up centuries in both the 50-over and T20 formats, the 24-year-old right-hander is steadily making his mark on Nepal’s domestic circuit. The upcoming Nepal Premier League offers Ghiraiya a golden opportunity to showcase his talent on the biggest stage.
Rijan Dhakal
The second player to watch is left-arm pacer Rijan Dhakal, who also plays for the Lumbini Lions. Dhakal made his ODI debut earlier this year against Canada in February and followed it up with a T20I debut against the same team in September, taking one wicket in both debut matches.
Though not a newcomer to domestic cricket, Dhakal brings a new dimension to Nepal’s national team with his left-arm pace. In the Bir Ganeshman Singh National T20 Championship, he impressed by taking 12 wickets in six games, finishing as the third-highest wicket-taker of the competition. However, he had a quiet outing in the Nepal T20 League, where he managed just one wicket in five games for Biratnagar Super Kings at an economy rate of 7.25. Similarly, in the Everest Premier League the year before, he took four wickets in five games for Lalitpur Patriots at an economy of 6.60.
This time, Dhakal will represent the Chitwan Rhinos, who picked him up during the auction. Having grown significantly since joining the national team setup, Dhakal will aim to bolster his reputation and improve his wicket tally in this tournament.
Dipesh Kandel
The third player is 19-year-old Dipesh Kandel, a rising star in Nepal’s cricketing landscape. Kandel etched his name in history by taking the decisive wicket that sent Nepal to the U-19 World Cup. In a thrilling seven-run win over the UAE during the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Qualifier, Kandel claimed five wickets, including a stunning hat-trick. He described it as the best moment of his life.
Kandel was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the Saptari Premier League, where he picked up 15 wickets in six matches. He also had a strong outing in the Bir Ganeshman Singh National T20 Championship, taking 10 wickets in six games. Additionally, he played a key role in Nepal’s historic one-wicket win over Afghanistan, contributing figures of 2/17 from eight overs while Aakash Chand claimed 5/34.
With a wealth of left-arm spinners in Nepal’s cricketing ranks, Kandel will look to stand out from the crowd. Bought by the Kathmandu Gurkhas at the auction, this talented teenager will hope to leave his mark on the Nepal Premier League.
These three players—Aashutosh Ghiraiya, Rijan Dhakal, and Dipesh Kandel—represent a mix of youth, experience, and talent. With the stage set for Nepal’s biggest cricketing extravaganza, they’ll be eager to shine and take their careers to the next level.
