Karnali Yaks signs Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan for NPL

Kathmandu: Karnali Yaks has signed the renowned Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan for the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL).

Himalayan Builders and Engineers-owned Karnali Yaks unveiled the agreement with Dhawan on Thursday. Dhawan has previously played in all three formats for the Indian national team.

The team owner, Jhanakdatt Khanal, and Dhawan signed the agreement. Although the financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. Karnali Yaks’ co-owner Grihendra Ghimire, and India’s Acting Ambassador to Nepal, Dr. Surendra Thapa, were also present during the signing of Dhawan.

The 38-year-old left-handed opener has played for several Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, including Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. Dhawan is one of the most successful players in world cricket. Dhawan led Hyderabad to an IPL victory in 2016 and helped India win the ACC Asia Cup.

Jhanakdatt Khanal, the team’s owner, expressed happiness at Dhawan’s signing, calling it a significant achievement for Nepali cricket.

‘Our entire Karnali Yaks team is delighted to bring such a prominent player into Nepali cricket. This is a big achievement for both us and Nepali cricket,’ said Khanal, ‘We believe that Dhawan’s presence will benefit not just Karnali Yaks but also Nepali cricket and its players.’

India’s Acting Ambassador Dr. Thapa stated that Dhawan’s involvement with Karnali Yaks would also promote tourism in Nepal. ‘Karnali Yaks have made a promising start toward tourism promotion by bringing Shikhar Dhawan into Nepal,’ said Dr. Thapa.

In his international career, Dhawan has scored 2,315 runs in 34 Tests, 6,793 runs in 167 ODIs, and 1,759 runs in 68 T20 matches for India.

Grihendra Ghimire, co-owner of Karnali Yaks, mentioned that they overcame significant financial challenges to secure Dhawan’s contract. ‘Despite the economic challenges, we have managed to sign a renowned player like Shikhar Dhawan for the upcoming league,’ said Ghimire, adding, ‘With his arrival, we hope for success for both Nepali cricket and Karnali Yaks.’

Dhawan expressed his enthusiasm for playing with Karnali Yaks in the upcoming league. ‘Karnali Yaks has signed me. I am very excited to play in this league with Karnali Yaks,’ said Dhawan.

Karnali Yaks signed Dhawan as the fourth international player. Alongside Dhawan, previous signings include West Indies’ Chadwick Antonio Kirkpatrick Walton, Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Hussain Talat, and Hong Kong’s Babar Hayat.

Gyanendra Malla is the Head Coach of Karnali Yaks. Sompal Kami is the marquee player of the team.

Other national team players like Gulshan Jha, Dev Khanal, and Nandan Yadav are also part of the team. Players in the “B” category include Arjun Gurung, Rit Gautam, Mausam Dhakal, and Bhuvan Karki, while the “C” category players include Dipendra Rawat, Yunish Vikram Singh Thakuri, and Deepak Dumre.

Previously, Karnali Yaks appointed actress Swastima Khadka as the “Face of Karnali Yaks.” Hilton Hotel is the team’s hospitality partner for the tournament, scheduled to take place in Kathmandu from November 30 to December 20.

Nepali version of the news 

(Photo Courtesy: Karnali Yaks)