Post-NPL 2026 Player Auction: Here’s the Squad Composition of the Eight Teams

On Monday in Kathmandu, 52 out of 155 players were contracted across eight teams through an auction. Kathmandu, 22 Asar — A total of 52 players have been signed for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) via a mini auction. Among them, national team opener and wicketkeeper-batsman Asif Sheikh was contracted for the highest amount. Seven teams, excluding Chitwan Rhinos, bid for him. Lumbini Lions emerged lucky through a lucky draw, acquiring Asif for 2 million NPR. The Lumbini franchise, champions of the second season, signed him after Janakpur Boats released him. Asif Sheikh had previously been a marquee player in the first and second seasons.

Players who missed the previous season due to injuries—including Bibek Kumar Yadav, Rupesh Singh, Tritraj Das, and Arjun Gharti—were signed at a maximum price of 1.5 million NPR. When multiple teams bid the maximum price, players were assigned through a lucky draw: Bibek to Chitwan, Rupesh to Biratnagar, Tritraj to Janakpur, and Arjun to Pokhara. Some well-known players like Sunil Dhamala, Shankar Rana, Bhuvan Karki, Naren Bhatt, and Dipesh Kandel went unsold. Biratnagar Kings, with marquee player Sandeep Lamichhane, secured Rupesh Kumar Singh at the maximum price.

Players contracted in the auction include Rupesh Kumar Singh (1.5 million NPR), Naren Raud (500,000 NPR), Dilsad Ali (500,000 NPR), Sujan Thapliya (425,000 NPR), Aparajit Paudel (200,000 NPR), Pratik Shrestha (200,000 NPR), and Imran Sheikh (200,000 NPR). Janakpur Bolts released marquee player Asif Sheikh and signed Tritraj Das for 1.5 million NPR. Chitwan Rhinos brought Bibek Kumar Yadav through the lucky draw, while Kathmandu Gorkhaz signed seven players at relatively lower costs.

Other players signed include Sahil Patel (500,000 NPR), Prasiddha Jaisi (200,000 NPR), Dayanand Mandal (200,000 NPR), Sonu Devkota (200,000 NPR), Krishna Paudel (200,000 NPR), Dev Shah (200,000 NPR), and Suyanshu Koirala (200,000 NPR). Pokhara Avengers signed Arjun Gharti at the maximum price. Lumbini Lions retained Asif Sheikh. Karnali Yaks re-signed two players they had released earlier, and Sudurpashchim Royals also re-contracted three players they had previously released.