Janakpur Bolts Signs Moeen Ali as NPL Teams Finalise Rosters
Janakpur Bolts has recruited former England all-rounder Moeen Ali for the third season of the Nepal Premier League, as franchises across the competition finalise overseas signings and commercial partnerships ahead of the late October start.
Franchises in the Nepal Premier League are accelerating their foreign player acquisitions and operational deals ahead of the tournament's third season, scheduled to begin on October 26 (Kartik 9).
Janakpur Bolts secured one of the tournament's biggest overseas signings by adding former England all-rounder Moeen Ali to their roster, the franchise confirmed on social media. According to reports from Annapurna Post and Nagarik News, the 39-year-old cricketer joins the Bolts as their fourth overseas recruit for the upcoming campaign. The team had earlier signed overseas players Harmeet Singh as captain, New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, and Pakistani batter Iftikhar Ahmed, Annapurna Post reported.
Ali, who retired from international cricket in 2024, represented England across 298 matches in all three formats, accumulating 6,678 runs and 366 wickets, Nagarik News noted. He was part of England's squads that won the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup, and he also lifted two Indian Premier League titles with Chennai Super Kings in 2021 and 2023. Ali stated that he looks forward to experiencing Nepal's cricket atmosphere, while Janakpur Bolts Chief Executive Officer Niroj Khatiwada described the signing as a gift to supporters across Madhesh Province, according to Annapurna Post.
Other NPL franchises are also completing their lineups and commercial agreements. Sudurpashchim Royals, who finished runners-up in the first two editions, have brought back Scottish all-rounder Brandon McMullen alongside previously announced signings Scott Kuggeleijn of New Zealand and Saif Zaib of England, Nepal Khabar reported. The outlet added that Sudurpashchim is also holding discussions regarding the potential signing of South African batter Heinrich Klaasen. The franchise retained captain Dipendra Singh Airee alongside Binod Bhandari, Aarif Sheikh, Ishan Pandey, Abinash Bohara, Hemant Dhami, and Hikmat Mahara, while securing six domestic players through the player auction.
Meanwhile, Karnali Yaks finalised an off-field operational deal, signing Prime Consultancy and Services as their consultancy partner for season three, Nagarik News reported. Gyanendra Malla, cricket director for Karnali Yaks, signed the agreement with Prime Consultancy director Prijma Gautam. For their overseas roster, Karnali Yaks have previously recruited England spinner Mark Watt and Bangladeshi wicketkeeper-batter Akbar Ali.