KATHMANDU — Kathmandu Gorkhas have pulled off the biggest overseas signing in Nepal Premier League history, bringing former Australian opener David Warner to Nepal for the third season of the NPL. The franchise confirmed Warner’s signing on Tuesday, ending days of speculation around the identity of the international star they had been teasing on social media. Warner also appeared in a video message for the Gorkhas, saying he was excited to experience Nepal’s cricket atmosphere and passionate supporters. For the NPL, this is more than another foreign-player announcement. Warner arrives with a career built on World Cups, IPL titles and nearly two decades at the highest level of the game. The Australian played 112 Tests, 161 ODIs and 110 T20Is , scoring 8,786 Test runs, 6,932 ODI runs and 3,277 T20I runs. Across the three formats, he registered 49 international centuries. He was part of Australia’s ODI World Cup-winning teams in 2015 and 2023 and played a major role in their maiden T20 World Cup triumph in 2021, where he was named Player of the Tournament. A major boost for Kathmandu Warner’s arrival immediately changes the look of the Kathmandu Gorkhas batting lineup. Known for attacking fast bowling from the opening overs, the left-hander has spent much of his career putting opposition attacks under pressure before they can settle. His experience could also be valuable for the younger players in the Kathmandu squad. The signing was not a quick deal either. Gorkhas executive director Anubhab Swar Sirohiya said negotiations had taken months, describing the opportunity to bring a player of Warner’s stature to Kathmandu and the TU Cricket Ground as worth the effort. Warner is expected to travel to Nepal after Dashain for the tournament. From the IPL to the TU ground Nepali fans will be familiar with Warner from his long career in the Indian Premier League. He captained Sunrisers Hyderabad to the 2016 IPL title and finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer in 2015, 2017 and 2019. His franchise career has also taken him to competitions around the world, making him one of the most experienced T20 batters of his generation. Now, for the first time, that experience will arrive in Nepal. Kathmandu had already strengthened their overseas group with former India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat and Sri Lankan all-rounder Sahan Arachchige before completing the Warner deal. The third season of the Nepal Premier League is scheduled to run from October 26 to November 21 . For Kathmandu Gorkhas, Warner offers runs, experience and star power. For the NPL itself, his signing is another indication of how quickly Nepal’s franchise tournament is growing. When Warner walks out to bat at the TU International Cricket Ground, it could be one of the most anticipated moments the NPL has produced so far.
