Photo: Collected
The door to foreign franchise cricket has opened for Bangladesh’s young wicketkeeper-batter Akbar Ali. He will play for Karnali Yaks in the upcoming season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The franchise announced the news of signing Akbar on social media in an unusual way.
Instead of making a direct announcement, Karnali Yaks hinted at Akbar’s arrival by publishing a picture of batting and wicketkeeping gear beside the Youth World Cup trophy. It was later confirmed that this Bangladeshi cricketer will take the field for the team in the third edition of the NPL.
Akbar was the captain of the Bangladesh team that won the Under-19 World Cup in 2019. He played an important role with the bat in the historic win against India in the final of that edition held in South Africa. That World Cup-winning captain has got the chance to play in a franchise league outside the country for the first time.
So far Akbar has scored 1,180 runs in 86 T20 matches at a strike rate of 130.67. His debut in foreign franchise cricket is going to come through the Nepal league. Alongside Akbar, another Bangladeshi star will be there in this year’s NPL – Pokhara Avengers have signed experienced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.
The third edition of the Nepal Premier League will begin on 17 November. This eight-team competition will run until 13 December. All matches will be held at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Janakpur Bolts, Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers and Sudurpaschim Royals will take part in this year’s NPL.
