Karnali Yaks’ foreign recruits, Chadwick Walton from the West Indies and Babar Hayat from Hong Kong have arrived in Nepal ahead of the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL).
The two players landed in Kathmandu on Tuesday, where they were welcomed at Tribhuvan International Airport by Karnali Yaks’ owner Jhanak Dutta Khanal, co-owner Grihendra Ghimire, and head coach Gyanendra Malla. The team is owned by Himalayan Builders & Engineers.
Walton Brings West Indies Experience
Chadwick Walton, a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter, made his T20I debut for the West Indies in 2014 against New Zealand. In 19 T20 internationals, Walton has scored 225 runs. Beyond international cricket, he boasts an extensive T20 career, having amassed 3,578 runs in 188 matches.
Walton is no stranger to Nepal, having previously played for the Janakpur Royals during the Nepal T20 League in 2022. His return to Nepali cricket adds further excitement to the league.
Hayat’s Familiarity with Nepali Cricket
Babar Hayat, a celebrated name in both Hong Kong cricket and Nepali leagues, is well-acquainted with the local cricketing landscape. The right-handed batsman has represented Hong Kong in 79 T20Is, scoring 1,910 runs, including two centuries. Hayat also boasts an impressive overall T20 record, with 2,398 runs in 105 matches.
Karnali Yaks’ Star-Studded Squad
The Karnali Yaks have built a formidable squad under the guidance of head coach Gyanendra Malla and marquee player Sompal Kami. In addition to Walton and Hayat, the team has also signed Indian cricket legend Shikhar Dhawan, the biggest name in this season’s NPL, and former Oman captain Zeeshan Maqsood.
NPL Schedule
The Nepal Premier League is set to run from November 30 to December 21. Karnali Yaks will face Janakpur in their opening match, with fans eagerly awaiting the performance of the team’s star-studded lineup.
With the arrival of Walton and Hayat, the Karnali Yaks are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling season of cricket.
