Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to represent Pokhara Avengers in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League.
Pokhara have signed the 39-year-old for the 2026 season as they look to strengthen their squad after missing the playoffs in the first two editions.
Shakib is one of the most accomplished all-rounders of his generation. The left-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler has represented Bangladesh in 71 Tests, 247 ODIs and 129 T20Is.
He has scored 4,609 Test runs, 7,570 ODI runs and 2,551 T20I runs. With the ball, he has claimed 246 Test wickets, 317 in ODIs and 149 in T20Is.
Shakib also brings extensive franchise experience to Pokhara, having represented teams including Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lahore Qalandars, Barbados Royals, Jamaica Tallawahs, Rangpur Riders and Jaffna Kings.
His 2019 ODI World Cup campaign remains among the finest individual all-round performances in the competition's history. Shakib scored 606 runs and took 11 wickets, becoming the first player to register more than 600 runs and at least 10 wickets in a single World Cup edition.
For Pokhara Avengers, his arrival provides an experienced middle-order batter and a proven left-arm spin option. His versatility will give the franchise greater flexibility when selecting its overseas players according to conditions and match-ups.
The Avengers failed to reach the playoffs in each of the first two NPL seasons. Shakib's experience in international cricket and major franchise competitions strengthens their attempt to break into the knockout stage in Season 3.
His signing also adds another established international name to the NPL's expanding overseas roster.
