'I'm excited to take part': Shikhar Dhawan buoyant before joining inaugural NPL

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan revealed his excitement as he prepares to take part in the inaugural season of the Nepal Premier League. The Indian icon will be playing for Karnali Yaks in the tournament.

The T20 League is set to start on November 30 in Kathmandu and will see top players from around the world compete. The final will be played on December 21. All the games will be played at the Tribhuvan University grounds.

Dhawan's participation has grabbed the headlines and the Southpaw revealed what attracted him to the league.

"I'm excited to take part in the inaugural edition of the Nepal Premier League and turn up for the Karnali Yaks. Everyone has seen the passion that exists for the game in the country and this league will further help the game grow in the country." Dhawan told FanCode, the official broadcaster of the Nepal Premier League in India.

"With top players from around the world coming to Nepal, the young players will learn alot from their experience. I can't wait for the first match and the action to get underway!" the left-hander added.

Some of the other players set to compete include Ben Cutting, Unmukt Chand, Ravi Bopara, Chadwick Walton and Marchand de Lange.

A total of eight franchises representing different regions of the country will be part of the league. Kathmandu Gurkhas, Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini Lions, Karnali Yaks, and Sudurpashchim Royals are the eight teams. 32 matches will be played in total and the final will also have a reserve day.

Nepal has made rapid progress in international cricket in recent years. They were part of the latest ICC T20I World Cup and played some impressive cricket, almost beating eventual finalists South Africa. The league promises to be a game-changer for the sport in the country, with top local players getting to share the dressing room with international stars.

(An excerpt from Agency)