NPL 2026: Franchise Teams Allowed Up to 8 Foreign Players as CAN Outlines Strict ICC Guidelines
17th October 2026, Kathmandu
In a major development for franchise cricket in Nepal, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced that each participating team in the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 will be permitted to recruit up to eight foreign players.
This marks a significant step up from the previous limit of six overseas players per squad, reflecting the growing scale and international stature of Nepal’s marquee domestic T20 tournament.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, CAN Secretary Paras Khadka detailed the comprehensive framework being put in place as the tournament moves through its official approval process with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The new regulations cover international player eligibility, anti-corruption measures, officiating standards, media access, and overall event operations.
Key Highlights: NPL 2026 Squad Rules & ICC Guidelines
Increased Overseas Quota: Squads can now feature up to 8 foreign players.
Mandatory Playing XI Ratio: Each team must field at least 7 Nepalese players in every match, ensuring local talent remains the backbone of the league.
No Objection Certificates (NOCs): Mandatory for all international players, including retired veterans.
Unapproved Cricket Restrictions: A 6-month ban applies to players participating in non-sanctioned tournaments.
ICC Asia Conference: Nepal will host top regional cricket officials from November 19 to 21.
Strict Regulations Imposed by ICC for NPL 2026
According to Khadka, the ICC has stipulated five mandatory requirements that CAN has fully accepted:
1. Ban on Participation in Unapproved Cricket
To preserve tournament integrity and adhere to global governance, players who have participated in unapproved cricket tournaments—defined as leagues lacking official recognition from the ICC or the respective home boards—within six months prior to NPL 2026 will be ineligible to play.
“Domestic competitions must have official ICC recognition and approval from the home board. Any tournament lacking home board approval is classified as unapproved cricket. Players involved in such leagues in the six months leading up to the NPL will not be permitted to participate,” Khadka explained.
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2. Mandatory NOC Requirements
All overseas players must obtain a formal No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their home cricket boards. This rule extends to retired international players to prevent contractual disputes and maintain transparency across franchise operations.
3. Comprehensive Anti-Corruption & Governance
With significant financial investments and multiple stakeholders involved, CAN is deploying dedicated anti-corruption units, oversight mechanisms, and investigative resources to protect the tournament from match-fixing and illicit activities.
Tournament Operations, DRS, and Playing XI Setup
Addressing squad logistics and technical standards, Khadka clarified several key operational details:
Local Talent Priority: Despite the expanded overseas roster, each team’s playing XI must feature a minimum of seven Nepalese players, guaranteeing substantial match exposure for national stars and emerging local talent.
Associate Nation Players: While CAN encourages franchises to sign players from Associate member nations, enforcing a mandatory quota for Associate players is not implemented for this edition.
DRS and Officiating: The league is finalizing protocols for international and local umpires, match review standards, and the implementation of the Decision Review System (DRS).
Official T20 Status: CAN confirmed that formal paperwork following the ICC’s conditions was processed swiftly. Formal updates regarding full T20 sanctioning and broadcast guidelines are being released progressively.
Nepal to Host ICC Asia Conference in November
Adding to the momentum, CAN announced that Nepal will host the prestigious ICC Asia Conference in Kathmandu from November 19 to 21.
The three-day conference will bring together cricket administrators and board officials from across Asia—representing both Test-playing nations and Associate members—to discuss regional development, support mechanisms for emerging cricket nations, and strategic partnerships. International delegates are expected to arrive in Nepal starting November 17, providing a premier platform to display Nepal’s hospitality and passion for the sport.
Star-Studded International Presence
Franchises are already actively recruiting global cricket icons to elevate the league’s international footprint. Pokhara Avengers have officially announced former Indian star Irfan Pathan as their brand ambassador, while Himalaya Sports is finalizing details to bring legendary Pakistani bowler Shoaib Akhtar on board.
With expanded international rosters, strict ICC oversight, and high-profile global ambassadors, NPL 2026 is shaping up to be the most competitive and widely watched edition of franchise cricket in Nepal’s history.
For more: NPL 2026 Franchise Teams Allowed
