Chitwan, Nepal – The Nepal Premier League (NPL) has delivered a blockbuster signing ahead of its second season, with the Chitwan Rhinos securing the services of former England international and world number one T20I batter, Dawid Malan. The marquee signing is expected to generate significant buzz and elevate the profile of the tournament, which is scheduled to run from November 17 to December 13, 2025.
The news of the English powerhouse joining Nepal’s premier T20 league was confirmed by the franchise on social media, with the team's official pages announcing, "The English T20 maestro is all set to set the NPL stage ablaze with the Rhinos". Malan, who retired from international cricket in August 2024, has been a consistent and formidable presence in T20 leagues around the world. His experience and explosive batting at the top of the order will be a massive boost for the Rhinos.
Malan joins a roster that also features his former England compatriot, Ravi Bopara, who was retained by the team for the second season. With the addition of Malan, the Chitwan Rhinos are signaling their intent to be a dominant force in the upcoming season. The acquisition is also a testament to the league's growing appeal and ability to attract high-profile international talent.
The signing is not only a win for the Chitwan Rhinos but for the NPL as a whole, which is aiming to build on the success of its inaugural edition in 2024. Fans across Nepal are eagerly anticipating the chance to see a global cricketing superstar in action as the NPL continues to grow and establish itself on the world stage.
Dawid Malan: A career at a glance
Malan is renowned for his consistent performances in T20 cricket, having spent significant time as the world's top-ranked T20I batter. During his international career, he scored 1,892 runs in 62 T20 internationals, at an average of 36.38. His arrival in the NPL is set to add an exciting new dimension to the tournament.
