Sandeep Lamichhane is the marquee player for the Biratnagar Kings, one of the high-profile teams in the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The franchise will rely on the experience and leadership of Nepal’s global star to guide them to a potential title.
Adding further star power to the team, Biratnagar Kings have signed Martin Guptill, another big name in the NPL. Guptill’s decade-long international experience adds immense value to the squad. He forms an explosive opening pair with Lokesh Bam at the top of the order. They will be followed by Oman’s all-rounder Aqib Ilyas, who has previously played and succeeded on Nepalese soil.
In the middle order, Nepal’s seasoned domestic player Rajesh Pulami Magar will play a crucial role. Although he had a disappointing season last year, he will be eager to make a strong comeback in this NPL. The team also features Canadian skipper Nicholas Kirton, while Bashir Ahmad is expected to slot into the middle order as a finisher alongside youngsters like Dipak Bohara or Naren Bhatta.
Sandeep Lamichhane will spearhead the bowling attack with his crafty leg-spin. The pace department looks promising with the inclusion of Scottish international Chris Sole, as well as Nepali pacers Pratish GC and Jitendra Mukhiya. Pratish GC has recently impressed in the Hong Kong Sixes (and Nepal’s T20I matches), particularly with his death-bowling skills. He will aim to replicate that success in the NPL. Meanwhile, Jitendra Mukhiya, returning from a stint in Australia, brings additional experience to the lineup.
On paper, the Biratnagar Kings appear to be one of the favorites for the title. However, their success will ultimately depend on Lamichhane’s leadership skills and the performance of their pace bowling unit.
- Marquee Player: Sandeep Lamichhane
- Captain : Sandeep Lamichhane
- Squad: Lokesh Bam, Pratish GC, Bashir Ahmad, Rajesh Pulami Magar, Jitendra Kumar Mukhiya, Anil Kharel, Dipak Bohara, Subhash Bhandari, Naren Bhatta, Mrinal Gurung
- Foreign Players: Chris Sole, Martin Guptill, Nicholas Kirton, Aqib Ilyas, Ismat Alam
- Local Iconic Player : Kamal Khatri
- Head Coach: Kevin O’Brien (Ireland)
- Assistant Coach : Lakpa Lama ( Nepal )
- Team Director : Dipendra Chaudhary
Probable playing XI
Martin Guptill
Lokesh Bam
Aqib Ilyas
Rajesh Pulami Magar
Naren Bhatta/Dipak Bohara
Nicholas Kirton
Bashir Ahmad
Pratish GC
Sandeep Lamichhane
Chris Sole
Jitendra Kumar Mukhiya
