Kathmandu – Karnali Yaks, owned by Himalayan Builders and Engineers, has officially unveiled its team jersey for the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The unveiling event was held on Friday at Hotel Hilton, showcasing a jersey design inspired by the unique culture and landscape of Karnali Province. The jersey features symbols representing the mountainous regions of Karnali, the iconic Rara and Shey-Phoksundo lakes with their blue hues, and a yak symbolizing the region.
Marquee player Sompal Kami and Karnali Yaks’ ‘Face of the Team,’ actor Swastima Khadka, modeled the jersey for the NPL. The event was attended by former Deputy Prime Minister and Sports Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka, Karnali Yaks owner Jhanka Datt Khanal, co-owner Grihendra Ghimire, Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Secretary Paras Khadka, CAN spokesperson Chhumbi Lama, team coach Gyanendra Malla, and other team players.
Former Minister Khadka wished success to Karnali Yaks for the upcoming tournament, saying, “I extend my best wishes for Karnali Yaks’ success in the competition. On behalf of the people of Karnali, I wish the team victory. The future of Nepali cricket looks bright, and I believe that Karnali Yaks will inspire visitors to explore the Himalayan landscapes, religious sites, and areas like Kailash Mansarovar associated with Karnali.”
He also highlighted the positive message brought by Paras Khadka’s role in CAN, uniting government and business to uplift cricket.
For the tournament, Karnali Yaks has selected national players Gulshan Kumar Jha, Dev Khanal, Nandan Yadav in the ‘A’ category during the auction. In the ‘B’ category, the team includes Arjun Gharti, Rit Gautam, Mausam Dhakal, and Bhuban Karki, while in the ‘C’ category, Dipendra Rawat, Unish Bikram Singh Thakuri, and Dipak Dumre have joined the squad.
Additionally, three international players have been signed: Chadwick Walton from the West Indies, Hussain Talat from Pakistan, and Babar Hayat from Hong Kong. For the competition, Karnali Yaks has also partnered with Hotel Hilton as their hospitality partner.
CAN Secretary Paras Khadka expressed his hope that fans would come to TU Cricket Ground in support of Karnali Yaks, donning the team jersey. “I dream of seeing all Karnali fans wearing this jersey while watching the game. NPL is not just a game; it’s a culture,” he said. “The Karnali Yaks jersey is fantastic. Wear it and support Karnali. Half of Kathmandu has already embraced the spirit of Karnali.”
Marquee player Sompal Kami expressed his excitement for the NPL, saying the team is prepared to perform as expected. “Today is a very exciting day. We started playing cricket for this very moment,” he shared. “In Karnali Yaks, we have Gyanendra Dai, along with my teammates Dev Khanal and Gulshan Kumar Jha. We will perform as the team envisions.”
The tournament will run from November 30 to December 21.
Karnali Yaks
- Marquee Player: Sompal Kami
- Captain : Yet to be announced
- Squad: Gulshan Kumar Jha, Nandan Yadav, Mausam Dhakal, Arjun Gharti, Dev Khanal, Rit Gautam, Bhuban Karki, Dipendra Rawat, Dipak Dumre, Unish Bikram Singh Thakuri
- Foreign Players: Chadwick Walton, Babar Hayat, Hussain Talat
- Head Coach: Gyanendra Malla (Nepal)
- Consultant Coach: Raju Basnyat (Nepal)
