KATHMANDU — In a major move for the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL) season, Scottish international spin wizard Mark Watt has signed with the Karnali Yaks. The franchise announced the acquisition of the skilled left-arm orthodox bowler on Tuesday, October 21, adding international flair and experience to its 2025 roster.
The signing bolsters a Yaks squad that will be looking to build on its strong performance in the inaugural NPL season, where they made it to the playoff stages. The upcoming season is scheduled to run from November 17 to December 13, 2025.
Watt is a T20 specialist known for his tight, defensive bowling and ability to restrict batsmen, but he also brings value with the bat as a handy lower-order batsman. His previous stints in England's T20 Blast with Derbyshire and Lancashire, along with his extensive international experience with Scotland, will be crucial for the Yaks.
The NPL, established in 2024 by the Cricket Association of Nepal, features eight city-based franchises competing for the title. With the addition of players like Watt, the league continues to attract international talent and raise its profile on the global cricket stage.
Karnali Yaks' 2025 Squad Snapshot
Mark Watt joins an already talented Karnali Yaks squad. He will play alongside retained players such as marquee player and Nepal international Sompal Kami, along with rising stars Gulshan Jha and Nandan Yadav. The team will be coached by former Nepal national team captain Gyanendra Malla.
Watt's career at a glance
Competition Matches Wickets Best Bowling
ODI 81 109 5/33
T20I 77 89 5/27
The signing of Watt is expected to generate significant fan excitement and could prove to be a game-changer for the Karnali Yaks as they seek to go one step further and claim the NPL title.
