Shoaib Akhtar and Shakib Al Hasan boost NPL profile
Former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar and Bangladeshi star Shakib Al Hasan have arrived in Nepal, bringing international star power to the ongoing NPL.
The third season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) has gained significant international attention following the arrival of two high-profile cricket figures. Former Pakistani fast-bowling legend Shoaib Akhtar and Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan have both joined the tournament in different capacities, marking a notable moment for the domestic league.
Shoaib Akhtar, widely known as the 'Rawalpindi Express,' appeared at the Tribhuvan University (TU) International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Tuesday, October 27. According to reports from Nagarik News, Onlinekhabar, and Ratopati, Akhtar attended the NPL matches at the invitation of the tournament's official broadcaster, Himalaya Sports. During the innings break of the second match of the day, he greeted spectators and interacted with players on the field. Akhtar, who holds the record for the fastest delivery in international cricket history at 161.3 km/h, is participating in the event as a cricket expert and analyst.
Meanwhile, the Pokhara Avengers have bolstered their roster with the addition of Bangladeshi star Shakib Al Hasan. As reported by Neplays, the veteran all-rounder arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday, October 25, to join the franchise. The club expects his extensive experience—having played for over 30 franchise teams globally—to be a decisive factor in their pursuit of the NPL title. Pokhara Avengers General Manager Amit Lohani stated that the team is enthusiastic about the signing, noting that Al Hasan’s leadership and professional background will provide significant inspiration to the squad both on and off the field.
Al Hasan’s arrival is part of a broader recruitment strategy for the Pokhara Avengers, who have also signed players such as Mehidy Hasan and Mohammad Saifuddin from Bangladesh, as well as Sri Lankan cricketers Dhananjaya Lakshan and Chamika Karunaratne. The team is currently under the guidance of former Sri Lankan international and spin specialist Ajantha Mendis, who serves as the head coach.