New Delhi: Shikhar Dhawan’s Nepal Premier League debut was underwhelming as he managed just 14 runs off 14 balls for Karnali Yaks against Janakpur Bolts. Recently retired, Dhawan joined the league’s inaugural season, reportedly earning USD 30,000 per game with plans to play four matches for the Yaks.
Nepal, a rapidly growing cricket nation, showcased its passion for the sport as Shikhar Dhawan received a rousing welcome when he stepped onto the field to bat for the first time on Nepali soil, with cheers rivaling those in cricket-loving countries like India and Pakistan.
Despite the warm welcome, Shikhar Dhawan failed to make an impact, getting dismissed for a low score in his Nepal Premier League debut. As the tournament’s biggest star, the former Indian cricketer brings immense stature, having played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is, amassing over 10,000 international runs with 24 centuries to his name.
Dhawan is also an IPL legend, ranking as the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history with 6,769 runs, trailing only Virat Kohli.
The inaugural Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 features eight teams competing in a round-robin format, with the top four advancing to the playoffs, including two Qualifiers, an Eliminator, and the Final on December 21. Renowned cricket stars such as Shikhar Dhawan, Martin Guptill, James Neesham, and Sohail Tanvir are participating, with all 32 matches scheduled at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
