Pokhara Avengers bring in Shakib Al Hasan and coach Ajantha Mendis for Season 3

Pokhara Avengers were among the first franchises to make headlines this off-season, and they did it in a big way. Within a fortnight in July the club appointed Ajantha Mendis as head coach and signed Shakib Al Hasan.

The former Sri Lanka spinner was announced as head coach on 19 July. Mendis, famous for the "carrom ball" that baffled batters when he burst onto the international scene, last played for Sri Lanka in 2015 and retired from international cricket in 2019. "I am really excited to be joining Pokhara Avengers as the head coach," he said when the appointment was confirmed.

A week later Pokhara announced Shakib Al Hasan, describing him as the greatest all-rounder in the game's history. Shakib is one of Bangladesh's leading run-scorers and wicket-takers across formats and has played in T20 leagues around the world. He has not played for Bangladesh since 2024.

There is one question mark. Because Shakib now plays in several franchise leagues, Nepali media have reported that it is not yet certain he will be available for the whole NPL season.

Pokhara also re-signed Sri Lankan all-rounder Dhananjaya Lakshan, who impressed in his short stint in Season 2. Keeping him gives the side a second overseas all-rounder who already knows the conditions at Kirtipur.

Pokhara have yet to reach the knockout stage. They finished fifth last season with three wins from seven matches, despite having the tournament's top run-scorer, wicketkeeper-batter Adam Rossington, who made 323 runs. Captain Kushal Bhurtel, one of Nepal's most attacking openers, leads a squad that now looks stronger in both batting and bowling.

The Avengers start on 28 October against Sudurpaschim Royals, last season's league leaders. They then face Janakpur Bolts on 1 November and Lumbini Lions on 3 November, and close the league stage against Kathmandu Gorkhas on 15 November.