KATHMANDU: Nepal will join cricket powerhouses Pakistan and Bangladesh in the highly anticipated 2025 Top End T20 Series in Darwin, Australia.

The tournament, organized by Northern Territory Cricket, will feature two ICC Full-Member teams—Pakistan Shaheens (‘A’ side) and Bangladesh ‘A’—alongside Nepal, an ICC Associate Member.

Pakistan Shaheens are returning for their third consecutive year, having competed in 2023 and 2024. Bangladesh ‘A’ will look to improve on last year’s performance, where they narrowly lost the 2024 Top End T20 Final to the Adelaide Strikers Academy.

The series kicks off on Thursday, August 14 at TIO Stadium with a marquee clash between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’—coinciding with local celebrations of Pakistan Independence Day.

Northern Territory Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey highlighted the significance of Nepal’s inclusion: “With Pakistan (255 million), Bangladesh (170 million), and now Nepal (30 million) participating, the Top End T20 Series showcases one of the most populous and cricket-passionate regions globally, offering a fantastic platform to grow the sport.”

Both Pakistan and Bangladesh use this event to expose their emerging talent to Australian playing conditions, helping future internationals gain valuable experience. Nepal’s participation adds fresh international flavor and expands the tournament’s reach in Asia.

BCB CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury expressed excitement about the return to Darwin, emphasizing the importance of high-quality opposition and international cooperation. Meanwhile, PCB COO Sumair Ahmed Syed praised the tournament’s role in nurturing Pakistan’s cricketing future.

Details of the full 2025 Top End T20 Series schedule and the participating teams will be announced in the coming weeks.