Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025: Full List, Updated Details, and Player Stats

The Nepal Premier League 2025 is returning for its second edition, and excitement is rising among cricket fans across Nepal and beyond. The tournament is packed with international stars, and discussions everywhere are focused on the Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025. This year, eight franchises have confirmed 43 overseas signings, bringing together a mix of famous names and fresh talents. Some popular players like Faf du Plessis, Jason Roy, Chris Lynn, and Martin Guptill are headliners, while many newcomers will be joining Nepal’s franchise league for the first time. This combination creates more interest as fans look closely at the Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025 and the impact they may have on the league.

The second season aims to deliver even bigger crowds, stronger squads, and more thrilling matches. Every team has built powerful line-ups, and much of the focus remains on the Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025, who are expected to shape the competition. With improved team balance and better strategic planning, the battle for the NPL 2025 trophy will be more intense than ever.

Journey from the First Season to the Second

As the tournament moves into its second year, many structural changes have taken place. The selection of international players has expanded, and franchises have adjusted their recruitment approach. Out of the 43 overseas signings, only 14 took part in the first edition. The teams have mixed returning stars with fresh faces, giving fans a long list of Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025. This balance between experience and new talent makes the league more competitive and unpredictable.

One of the most interesting developments is that Lumbini Lions have no returning foreign players this season, which automatically raises curiosity about their new recruits among the Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025. In contrast, Chitwan Rhinos and Pokhara Avengers have brought back three foreign players each, ensuring squad stability. Janakpur Bolts, the defending champions, have retained their top scorer, showing confidence in players who performed well before. This structure has made fans even more eager to follow the Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025 and how they will contribute.

Chitwan Rhinos continue with known performers like Ravi Bopara and Sohail Tanvir, two experienced cricketers who played major roles in the previous edition. Pokhara Avengers have brought back Raymon Reifer, Jimmy Neesham, and Daniel Alexander Douthwaite, strengthening their squad with familiar faces. Janakpur Bolts have retained Lahiru Milantha, the tournament’s highest run-scorer from the previous season. Sudurpaschim Royals have again trusted bowlers Scott Kuggeleijn and Harmeet Singh. With so many experienced names among the Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025, fans will be closely observing every match.

Martin Guptill joins Biratnagar Kings once again, bringing one of the strongest T20 batting reputations in the world. Gerhard Erasmus returns for Kathmandu Gorkhas, adding more consistency to the side. Their inclusion highlights the importance of the Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025, as these seasoned athletes can change the direction of the tournament with individual brilliance.

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Team-wise Breakdown of Top Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025

Biratnagar Kings: Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis stands out as one of the biggest names among the Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025. The South African star is known worldwide for his aggressive shot-making, fitness, and leadership skills. Over the years, he has built a strong presence in T20 leagues such as the IPL, CPL, PSL, and MLC. Even after battling multiple injuries, he has maintained top performance levels, showing his value in any franchise. In IPL 2025, he represented Delhi Capitals and displayed strong batting form.

With over 400 T20 matches and years of international experience, du Plessis brings both power and stability to Biratnagar Kings. Fans view him as one of the primary Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025, and his ability to score quickly while anchoring innings makes him an important signing.

Format	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s
IPL & T20s	400+	10,000+	130	20+	60+
International (Tests, ODIs, T20Is)	150+	8,500+	164	20+	50+

Janakpur Bolts: Wayne Parnell

Wayne Parnell is another major name among the Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025, joining the defending champions Janakpur Bolts. The South African all-rounder has been part of global T20 leagues and played five IPL seasons. His left-arm pace, especially in powerplays and death overs, makes him a match-winning bowler. Parnell has played more than 300 T20 matches and taken 496 wickets across all formats, showing why he is one of the most reliable Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025.

Along with bowling, Parnell provides valuable lower-order hitting, making him a dual-threat player. Janakpur Bolts will rely heavily on him as they try to defend their NPL title.

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Runs	Strike Rate
Tests	6	15	5/50	100+	–
ODIs	73	112	4/35	500+	85
T20Is	56	48	3/12	200+	130+

Chitwan Rhinos: Dawid Malan

England’s left-handed star Dawid Malan joins Chitwan Rhinos as one of the most dependable Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025. He is known for his calm batting approach and ability to build innings under pressure. Malan once reached the No. 1 ICC T20I batting ranking, which shows his world-class talent. Even though he struggled in a recent Canadian competition, he remains one of the most consistent T20 performers.

With over 10,000 T20 runs and more than 13,000 First-Class runs, Malan becomes a key figure among the Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025, and the Rhinos expect him to guide their top order throughout the season.

Format	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s
Tests	22	1,000+	140	2	8
ODIs	30	1,800	140	6	7
T20Is	62	2,300	94	0	18

Kathmandu Gorkhas: Milind Kumar

Milind Kumar, the USA all-rounder, enters the league as one of the most unique Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025. Despite debuting internationally at age 33, he quickly became one of USA’s most important players. His ODI batting average of 67.73 is one of the highest in cricket history. With 1,016 League 2 runs between 2024–26, he has built a strong reputation for consistency.

Kathmandu Gorkhas selected him for his dual skills and reliability, making him one of the overlooked yet important Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025.

Format	Matches	Runs	Average	Highest Score	Wickets
ODIs	22	1,016	67.73	123*	28
T20Is	21	500+	33.33	70+	12

Lumbini Lions: Gulbadin Naib

Gulbadin Naib of Afghanistan adds both strength and experience to Lumbini Lions. His name remains central among the Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025 due to his powerful hitting and steady medium-pace bowling. A former bodybuilder, Naib brings strong physical presence and energy to every match.

With over 74 ODI wickets and several crucial batting performances, he has played a key role for Afghanistan in global tournaments. His all-round ability makes him one of the essential Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025.

Format	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	Wickets	Best Bowling
ODIs	80	1,700+	75	74	4/32
T20Is	46	850+	65	35	3/21

Pokhara Avengers: Jason Roy

Jason Roy is one of the biggest and most explosive names among the Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025. Known for his attacking batting and quick starts, Roy has been a key figure in England’s white-ball rise over the years. He has played 116 ODIs, scoring more than 4,200 runs with an aggressive strike rate.

With over 10,500 T20 runs, Roy brings vast experience and match-winning potential. His presence elevates Pokhara Avengers, making him one of the most important Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025.

Format	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s
ODIs	116	4,271	180	12	21
T20s	412	10,554	123	8	60

Sudurpaschim Royals: Chris Lynn

One of the most explosive T20 batters in the world, Chris Lynn, will represent Sudurpaschim Royals. Lynn has played in more than 30 different T20 leagues, including IPL, BBL, PSL, and LPL. His reputation for powerful stroke-making and six-hitting makes him one of the major Foreign Players to Watch in NPL 2025.

He is the highest run-scorer in Australia’s Big Bash League with over 3,955 runs. Recently, his form has been exceptional, including a 222-run tally across four matches in the Vitality Blast, proving he remains a dangerous batter.

Format	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s
BBL	127	3,955	113	3	25
Worldwide T20 Leagues	300+	9,000+	125	10+	60+

Karnali Yaks: Max O’Dowd

Karnali Yaks have secured Dutch opener Max O’Dowd, the top run-scorer for the Netherlands in both ODIs and T20Is. His consistent scoring and ability to play in Nepal’s conditions make him a reliable top-order option.

O’Dowd has more than 2,300 T20 runs and over 2,153 ODI runs. In his previous matches in Nepal, he performed well with 107 runs in four T20 games and 234 runs in nine T20Is played in the country. His familiarity with Nepal’s pitches makes him an important addition for Karnali Yaks.

Format	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	Average	50s/100s
ODIs	65	2,153	125	33+	15/3
T20Is	87	2,309	133*	31.5	18/2

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