KATHMANDU, October 31: Karnali Yaks have strengthened their batting lineup with the signing of Pakistan's T20I captain Sahibzada Farhan for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
The signing was confirmed by Karnali Yaks chairman Grihendra Ghimire to Online Khabar on October 22, adding another high-profile international name to the franchise's squad ahead of the tournament.
Farhan, 30, is a right-handed top-order batter known for his aggressive approach and ability to score quickly. He has represented Pakistan in six One-Day Internationals and 51 T20 Internationals, accumulating 1,554 runs in T20Is at a strike rate of 139.49. His international record includes two centuries and 13 half-centuries.
His performances in the shortest format have also been impressive at the franchise and domestic levels. Farhan has scored 5,775 runs in 186 T20 matches, including nine centuries and 38 half-centuries, with a highest score of 162 not out.
The Pakistani batter arrives in Nepal following an outstanding performance at the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where he finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 383 runs. He also created history by becoming the first batter to score two centuries in a single edition of the men's T20 World Cup.
Farhan's recent form has further strengthened his reputation as one of Pakistan's most dangerous T20 batters. He was recently appointed the country's full-time T20I captain and continued his impressive run with an 89-run knock in the opening match of Pakistan's recent series against Sri Lanka.
His arrival adds considerable firepower to a Karnali batting unit looking to make a stronger impact this season. The Yaks have already confirmed several overseas signings, including Pakistan all-rounder Hussain Talat and Bangladesh players Akbar Ali and Ariful Islam.
With the ICC permitting franchises to register up to eight overseas players for the 2026 season, while allowing a maximum of four in the playing XI, Karnali have been building a squad with greater international depth and flexibility.
The Yaks will be hoping Farhan can provide consistency at the top of the order, particularly in a short league competition where strong starts can have a significant impact on a team's campaign.
Karnali Yaks finished sixth in the previous edition and will be aiming for a much-improved performance this time. They are scheduled to begin their NPL 2026 campaign against Janakpur Bolts on October 27 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
However, Farhan's participation will also depend on obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as required for overseas players participating in the league.
The signing of a batter in such outstanding T20 form is a significant addition for Karnali Yaks. If Farhan carries his recent performances into the NPL, he could become one of the most influential overseas players in the competition.