For years, Nepali cricketers dreamed of sharing dressing rooms with some of the biggest names in franchise cricket. Today, another door opens.
As the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 Player Draft takes center stage in Colombo on Monday, four Nepali cricketers will be waiting to hear their names called in one of South Asia’s biggest T20 franchise tournaments. With Nepal’s rise in international cricket attracting growing attention, the inclusion of multiple national team players in the draft highlights the country's increasing presence on the global franchise circuit.
The Lanka Premier League 2026 Player Draft will begin at 1:30 PM local time in Colombo and will feature 421 players, including 179 Sri Lankan cricketers and 242 overseas players. Franchise owners, team management representatives and Sri Lanka Cricket officials will participate in the draft ahead of the tournament's sixth edition.
Among the overseas names in the draft are four players from Nepal.
Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been placed in the prestigious Gold category, reflecting his experience in international franchise cricket and his status as one of Nepal's most recognizable cricketing figures. Lamichhane remains Nepal's leading T20 wicket-taking threat and has previously featured in leagues across multiple countries.
Meanwhile, all-rounders Dipendra Singh Airee and Gulshan Jha, along with opener Kushal Bhurtel, have been included in the Associate Stars category. The category is specifically designed for overseas players from ICC Associate nations and guarantees representation from emerging cricket countries within the tournament.
Dipendra enters the draft after another impressive period with the national team. One of Nepal's most dependable all-rounders, he has built a reputation for finishing matches, contributing with the ball and producing match-winning performances under pressure.
Gulshan Jha's stock has also risen significantly over the last two years. The young pace-bowling all-rounder has become an important part of Nepal's setup with his ability to contribute in all three departments of the game.
Kushal Bhurtel heads into the draft after producing several explosive performances for Nepal. The aggressive opener recently grabbed headlines with a stunning 129-run innings against China in the Asia Qualifier, further strengthening his credentials as a power hitter in the shortest format.
According to the LPL draft structure, overseas players are divided into Platinum, Gold, Classic and Associate Stars categories. The salary bracket for overseas Gold-category players is set at USD 30,000, while Associate Stars players carry a value of USD 15,000.
The 2026 edition of the Lanka Premier League will run from July 17 to August 8 and will feature five franchises competing for the title. The tournament has become an important platform for emerging cricketers to showcase their talent alongside established international stars.
For Nepal cricket, the draft represents more than individual opportunities. Every selection would be another sign of the country's growing reputation in world cricket. As franchises prepare to make their picks, Nepali fans will be watching closely, hoping to see familiar names secure contracts on one of the region's biggest T20 stages.