A man wearing a gray shirt and a red and blue scarf stands indoors, smiling and giving a thumbs-up. He has a cap on and is surrounded by indoor plants.

KATHMANDU: Pokhara Avengers have signed Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Sadeera Samarawickrama for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

The 31-year-old right-handed batter has joined Pokhara ahead of their opening match of the tournament, strengthening the team’s batting and wicketkeeping options.

Samarawickrama is the third Sri Lankan player and the sixth overseas cricketer signed by Pokhara for the third season of the NPL.

Pokhara have retained Sri Lankan batting all-rounder Dhananjaya Lakshan, who also played for the team in the second season, while pace-bowling all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne has been brought in for the new season.

The franchise has also signed three all-rounders from Bangladesh. Former Bangladesh captain and internationally renowned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is the biggest name among them. Pace-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin and spin-bowling all-rounder Mehedi Hasan are the other Bangladeshi recruits.

Samarawickrama has represented Sri Lanka in all three formats of international cricket. He has played nine Test matches, 55 ODIs and 19 T20 internationals for his country.

He has also featured for four different teams in the Lanka Premier League and was part of Sri Lanka’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Primarily a middle-order batter in the shorter format, Samarawickrama arrived in Nepal on Tuesday and is expected to strengthen Pokhara’s middle order as the team begins its NPL campaign.

Pokhara Avengers, led by Kushal Bhurtel, will face Sudurpaschim Royals in their opening match of the third NPL season on Wednesday.

The franchise has retained experienced players while also bringing in young domestic talent and several high-profile overseas cricketers as it targets its first NPL title.

Pokhara have also made significant changes to their coaching and management setup. Former Sri Lankan cricketer Ajantha Mendis has been appointed as the team’s new head coach, while former India international and T20 World Cup winner Irfan Pathan has been appointed as the franchise’s cricket ambassador.