The Pokhara Avengers, owned by Nepal T20 Pvt. Ltd., are the most expensive franchise in the league, valued at 35.7 million rupees. They finished at the bottom of the table in the six-team Nepal T20 league two years ago. This time, under the leadership of their marquee player, Kushal Bhurtel, they will be looking to turn things around.
With just four days remaining until the inaugural edition of the Nepal Premier League, excitement is building. Yesterday, the tournament trophy was unveiled at Dharahara by Honorable Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Much like the Sudurpaschim Royals, the Pokhara Avengers boast a formidable batting lineup, strengthened by the addition of three overseas stars: Andries Gous, Bas de Leede, and Michael Leask. Adding to the firepower is Sunam Gautam, who brings valuable experience from Australian domestic cricket. In the finishing role, the talented all-rounder Narayan Joshi might edge out Amrit Gurung or another domestic player.
However, the Avengers will be relying heavily on local talents to deliver with the ball in the fast-paced T20 format. At the same time, their overseas contingent includes all-rounder Raymon Reifer, the bowling attack is spearheaded by experienced left-arm spinners Bipin Khatri and Sagar Dhakal. Their pace options are less established, with Akash Chand, a promising young pacer, standing out. Chand made headlines during this year’s U-19 World Cup, where his match-winning five-wicket haul against Afghanistan showcased his potential.
T20 cricket is often where batters set the stage, but bowlers are key to winning matches and tournaments. This is why the Pokhara Avengers appear to be two quality bowlers short of completing their squad for the upcoming league.
Marquee Player: Kushal Bhurtel
Squad: Sagar Dhakal, Aakash Chand, Kiran Kumar Thagunna, Narayan Joshi, Bipin Khatri, Dilip Nath, Trit Raj Das, Sunam Gautam, Dinesh Kharel, Amrit Gurung
Foreign Players: Bas De Leede, Andries Gous, Matt Critchley, Raymon Reifer, Michael Leask
Local Iconic Player : Sudip Aryal
Head Coach: Rajeev Kumar (India)
Advisor & Consultant: Jonty Rhodes (South Africa)
Assistant Coach: Rijan Prajoo (Nepal
Probable Playing XI
Kushal Bhurtel
Andries Gous
Sunam Gautam
Bas De Leede
Michael Leask
Dilip Nath
Narayan Joshi
Raymon Reifer
Bipin Khatri
Akash Chand
Sagar Dhakal
