KATHMANDU: Chitwan Rhinos have confirmed the signing of England stars Dawid Malan and Ravi Bopara, along with Pakistan’s veteran pacer Sohail Tanvir, for the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), scheduled from November 17 to December 13.

England’s top-order batter Dawid Malan, 38, joins the Rhinos with an impressive international and franchise record.

Having represented England in 62 international matches, he has amassed 1,892 runs, including one century and 16 fifties.

A member of the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup-winning team, Malan also featured in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Across global T20 leagues, he has scored over 10,000 runs in 384 matches, notching up five centuries and 72 half-centuries.

All-rounder Ravi Bopara, 40, brings both experience and form to Chitwan’s lineup.

The Englishman has represented his country in 13 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 38 T20Is, contributing nearly 10,000 runs and 292 wickets in 494 T20 matches worldwide.

Bopara was among the top performers in the inaugural NPL season, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer, and has previously played in major global leagues including the IPL, BBL, PSL, CPL, and LPL

Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir, also 40, strengthens the Rhinos’ bowling unit with his left-arm pace and extensive international experience.

He has played 57 T20 Internationals, claiming 54 wickets for Pakistan.

Across all T20 formats, Tanvir boasts 389 wickets and over 2,700 runs in 388 matches, making him one of the most experienced players in global franchise cricket.

The Chitwan Rhinos, who finished fourth in the first NPL season after losing to Karnali Yaks in the eliminator, have retained several key players.

Kushal Malla remains the marquee player and captain, joined by Rijan Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee, Deepak Bohora, Amar Singh Rautela, and Gautam KC.

At the player auction, Chitwan—holding the largest purse in the league—added Dev Khanal and Arjun Saud, along with Bipin Rawal, Bipin Acharya, and Ranjit Kumar to further bolster their squad.