Kathmandu, Nepal – Sudurpaschim Royals have bolstered their squad for the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL) with the signing of New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn. The experienced cricketer, who has represented New Zealand in all three formats of the game, is set to add significant firepower to the Royals’ bowling attack.
Kuggeleijn’s recent Test appearance was against Australia in March 2023. His all-round abilities, including his fast bowling and powerful hitting in the lower order, make him a valuable asset to any team. With a wealth of experience in top-tier cricket, he is expected to play a crucial role in the Royals’ campaign.
The Royals have already secured the services of Scottish all-rounder Brandon McMullen and English cricketer Safe Ali Jeb as foreign players. Additionally, former Australian cricketer Brad Hodge will serve as the team’s mentor, while Jagat Tamata will be the head coach. Dipendra Singh Airee is the marquee player for the Royals.
To further strengthen their squad, the Royals are organizing an open selection process on November 13, 2024, in Dhangadhi. This initiative aims to discover local talent and select an iconic player and four Sudurpaschim heroes to join the team. The selected players will not only participate in the NPL but also have the opportunity to train alongside experienced professionals.
The Nepal Premier League is scheduled to commence on November 30, 2024, with eight teams competing for the title. The tournament, organized by the Nepal Cricket Association (CAN), promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans in Nepal.