David Warner is expected to make use of his experience in international cricket as well as his reputation by joining hands with the Kathmandu Gorkhas in the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
The franchise confirmed Warner as its marquee overseas signing on September 15, ending days of speculation about the big-name foreign player it had been teasing on social media. Warner also appeared in a video message for the franchise, confirming that he is excited to visit Nepal and play in front of its cricket fans.
The former Australian opener is scheduled to feature in NPL Season 3, which will be played from October 26 to November 21, 2026. His signing is being seen as one of the biggest international moves in the short history of the Nepal Premier League.
David Warner joins Kathmandu Gorkhas
Kathmandu Gorkhas had kept fans guessing about their major overseas signing. The franchise first posted clues involving World Cup trophies before another clue featuring the number 31 made the identity easier to work out. The official confirmation came on September 15, when Warner himself welcomed the move in a video shared by the team.
Warner said he was looking forward to experiencing the passion of Nepali cricket and meeting the supporters. He also ended his message with the phrase “Ayo Gorkhali!”, giving fans an early taste of the excitement surrounding his arrival.
For the Kathmandu Gorkhas, the signing is about more than adding another overseas player. The franchise has brought in a cricketer with experience of playing at the highest level as well as in several major T20 leagues around the world.
Warner joins Sri Lankan all-rounder Sahan Arachchige and India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat among the Kathmandu Gorkhas’ overseas names for the upcoming campaign.
Warner’s record speaks for itself
Warner retired from international cricket in 2024, but his record remains one of the strongest among modern Australian batters.
He played 112 Tests, 161 ODIs and 110 T20Is for Australia, scoring close to 19,000 international runs and registering 49 centuries across the three formats. He was part of Australia’s 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cup-winning teams and also helped Australia win the 2021 T20 World Cup. He was part of the side that won the 2021-23 World Test Championship as well.
The left-hander has also built a huge reputation in franchise cricket. In the Indian Premier League, Warner won the Orange Cap in 2015, 2017 and 2019 and played a key role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s title-winning campaign in 2016. He has also featured in the Big Bash League, Pakistan Super League, The Hundred, Major League Cricket, Bangladesh Premier League, Caribbean Premier League and Vitality Blast.
His experience in different T20 competitions could prove useful for Kathmandu, particularly for a team looking to make an impact in the third edition of the NPL.
NPL Season 3 set for October 26 start
The third season of the Nepal Premier League will begin on October 26 and conclude with the final on November 21. The Cricket Association of Nepal confirmed the tournament window in August.
Eight franchises will take part in the competition, with the tournament expected to be staged at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The league will feature 32 matches, with the teams competing through the league stage before the playoffs.
The NPL has quickly become an important part of Nepal’s cricket calendar. The arrival of a player of Warner’s profile adds another layer of interest to the third season, both inside Nepal and among international cricket followers.
For local players, sharing a dressing room and playing alongside a batter with Warner’s experience could also provide an opportunity to learn from someone who has spent years competing in different conditions and T20 leagues.
A major moment for Kathmandu Gorkhas
Warner’s arrival gives the Kathmandu Gorkhas a major name to build their campaign around. The franchise’s executive director Anubhav Swar Sirohiya said bringing Warner to Nepal took months of discussions and persistence, while also describing the signing as something that could help inspire young players and bring greater international attention to Nepali cricket.
For Warner, the NPL will offer a new challenge after a long international career and years of franchise cricket across the globe. For Kathmandu Gorkhas and their supporters, his presence means one of the biggest names in modern T20 cricket will soon walk out at the TU International Cricket Ground.
NPL Season 3 is just around the corner, and everyone will be interested in seeing how Warner performs in Nepali conditions and how much he can contribute with his bat for the Kathmandu Gorkhas.
