The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with a host of international cricket stars gracing the tournament. Alongside England’s 39-year-old Ravi Bopara, who has joined the Chitwan Rhinos, other notable international players such as Shikhar Dhawan (Karnali Yaks), Martin Guptill (Biratnagar Kings), and James Neesham (Janakpur Bolts) will be showcasing their talents in the Nepali domestic league.
Chitwan Rhinos have also secured the services of other international players like Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Marchant De Lange, Luc Benkenstein, and Hassan Eisakhil. This strong lineup of international and domestic talent, including local stars like Sharad Vesawkar, Rijan Dhakal, and Kamal Singh Airee, is expected to make the Rhinos a formidable force in the tournament.
Bopara, who made his England ODI debut in February 2007 against Australia, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Rhinos. Although his last international appearance for England was in a T20I against Australia in September 2014 and an ODI against Sri Lanka in June 2015, he remains a highly regarded T20 cricketer.
Ravi Bopara’s International Career Stats:
- Test Matches: 13 Matches, 575 Runs, 1 Wicket
- One-Day Internationals: 120 Matches, 2695 Runs, 40 Wickets
- Twenty20 Internationals: 38 Matches, 711 Runs, 16 Wickets
With a prolific T20 career that includes stints in various leagues around the world, including the Bangladesh Premier League, Pakistan Super League, and Indian Premier League, Bopara is expected to be a game-changer for the Rhinos. Alongside Nepal’s star all-rounder, Kushal Malla, the team’s marquee player, Bopara’s presence will further strengthen the Rhinos’ squad.
“The craze and passion for cricket in Nepal is now an open secret. Every cricketer would like to come and play in Nepal in front of one of the most passionate fans in the world. I am ecstatic to don the Chitwan Rhinos jersey and entertain you all,” said Bopara.
Aayush Neupane, Managing Director of Chitwan Rhinos, expressed his excitement about the signing: “Ravi Bopara’s track record speaks for itself. A proven seasoned campaigner. His presence will not only improve the squad’s strength and balance but his experience and leadership will help build an exemplary camaraderie in the dressing room.”
Bopara’s addition to the Rhinos squad is a significant boost for the team as they aim to compete for the NPL title.
Chitwan Rhinos have also secured the services of other international players like Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Marchant De Lange, Luc Benkenstein, and Hassan Eisakhil. This strong lineup of international and domestic talent, including local stars like Sharad Vesawkar, Rijan Dhakal, and Kamal Singh Airee, is expected to make the Rhinos a formidable force in the tournament.
Chitwan Rhinos Team Information
- Marquee Player: Kushal Malla
- Squad: Rijan Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee, Sharad Vesawkar, Bipin Rawal, Santosh Karki, Dipesh Shrestha, Amar Singh Rautela, Deepak Bohara, Ranjeet Kumar, Gautam KC
- Foreign Players: Ravi Bopara, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Marchant De Lange, Luc Benkenstein, Hassan Eisakhil
- Head Coach: Umesh Patwal (India)
With a strong blend of international and domestic talent, the Chitwan Rhinos are poised to make a significant impact in the NPL 2023.
