KATHMANDU: Three Nepali cricketers have been signed by different franchises for the 2026 edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), Sri Lanka’s premier franchise cricket tournament.

Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, and opening batter Kushal Bhurtel were selected through the player draft for the upcoming tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka from July 17 to August 8, 2026.

According to the draft results, both Sandeep Lamichhane and Dipendra Singh Airee have been acquired by the Jaffna Kings, while explosive batsman Kushal Bhurtel was picked up by the Colombo Caps.

In terms of their contracts, Lamichhane has been signed for USD 20,000, while Airee and Bhurtel will each receive USD 15,000 for the season.

While Lamichhane and Airee bring prior experience from various international franchise leagues—including previous stints in the LPL—this selection marks a significant career milestone for Bhurtel, who will be making his debut in overseas franchise cricket.