Bangladeshi cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan has secured another high-profile deal in his globe-trotting franchise career after signing for the Pokhara Avengers ahead of the third season of the Nepal Premier League. Despite his prolonged absence from the national team setup, the veteran all-rounder continues to command significant interest across international franchise circuits, currently featuring for Jaffna Kings in the ongoing Lanka Premier League.
The Pokhara Avengers announced the marquee signing across their official social media platforms with an elaborate video reveal. Welcoming the thirty-eight-year-old left-arm spinner and batter, the franchise hailed him as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. The digital presentation featured Shakib seated upon a throne atop a Himalayan peak, flanked by symbolic imagery of a vulture and the Royal Bengal Tiger, marking his ceremonial entrance into the Pokhara franchise family.
This contract marks Shakib’s inaugural appearance in the Nepal Premier League, an emerging competition that has steadily expanded its footprint since its inception in 2024. The Janakpur Bolts claimed the maiden title during the tournament’s debut year, whilst Lumbini Lions lifted the trophy in the subsequent edition. Securing an international star of Shakib’s pedigree reflects the league’s ambitious push to raise its global profile, enhance broadcast value, and attract broader viewership across South Asia.
The signing comes amidst an active spell for the veteran in Sri Lanka, where he has been turning out for Jaffna Kings. Across four matches in the Lanka Premier League, Shakib has taken five wickets with his trademark left-arm orthodox spin, demonstrating his enduring skill with the ball. However, his form with the bat has proven modest, yielding just ten runs across two innings.
Over a career spanning nearly two decades, Shakib has built an unparalleled resume as a marquee franchise player. He has featured in virtually every major global league, including the Indian Premier League, Australia’s Big Bash League, the Caribbean Premier League, and the Pakistan Super League. His entry into the Nepalese circuit underlines his sustained appeal as a dependable short-format campaigner and a massive box-office draw for developing cricket markets.
The Pokhara Avengers hope that Shakib’s vast tactical acumen, accumulated over hundreds of international fixtures and T20 matches worldwide, will provide crucial leadership and a competitive edge as they hunt for their maiden league title. Supporters in Pokhara are preparing for an exciting season, eager to witness one of South Asia’s most decorated cricketers perform in the Himalayan foothills.