David Warner joins Kathmandu Gorkhas in the biggest signing in NPL history
The former Australia opener was announced on 15 September as the Gorkhas' third overseas signing for Season 3, alongside KS Bharat and Sahan Arachchige.
Kathmandu Gorkhas have made the biggest overseas signing the Nepal Premier League has seen. David Warner, the former Australia opener, will play for the Gorkhas in Season 3, the franchise confirmed on 15 September with a video message on its social media channels.
A teaser campaign
The club built up to the announcement over several days. It first posted a photo of two trophies, then a necklace carrying the number 31, Warner's shirt number, before revealing the player himself.
Why Warner matters
Warner is one of the most decorated batters of his era. He has won two ODI World Cups, a T20 World Cup and the World Test Championship with Australia. Nepali outlets described him as the biggest name to sign for the NPL across its three seasons, ahead of earlier stars such as Shikhar Dhawan and Faf du Plessis.
He gives the Gorkhas an established, attacking opener who has played in front of huge crowds in T20 leagues around the world.
The rest of the overseas group
Warner was the Gorkhas' third overseas signing. Before him the club had added Sri Lankan all-rounder Sahan Arachchige and Indian wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat, who has played Test cricket for India. That gives captain Karan KC options with the bat, behind the stumps and with the ball.
Building on last season
Kathmandu were one of the stronger sides in Season 2. They finished third in the league with five wins from seven matches before losing to eventual champions Lumbini Lions in the Eliminator. Their bowler Shahab Alam also took the first hat-trick in NPL history last season.
The side is coached by Monty Desai, a former head coach of Nepal's national team.
When to see him
Kathmandu Gorkhas begin their campaign against Janakpur Bolts on 29 October at 12:30 PM at Kirtipur. With Warner in the side, that match is likely to be one of the hardest tickets to find in the first week of the season.
