Sudurpaschim Royals have re-signed Scotland all-rounder Brandon McMullen for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League, the franchise announced. McMullen, who was part of the Royals' squad in the tournament's inaugural 2024 season, becomes the team's third confirmed overseas signing for the campaign starting October 26.

"I am very excited to return to Sudurpaschim Royals," McMullen said in the team's statement. "The time spent with the team in the first edition and the experience gained in Nepal were special. It is a matter of happiness to get the opportunity to play in the NPL again for this team. I will contribute my best to bring good results to the team."

Sudurpaschim Royals CEO Prakash Khadka welcomed the move, saying the franchise was "happy to welcome Brandon back to the Sudurpaschim Royals family" and that his all-round ability was expected to strengthen the squad. "We expect excellent performance from him in the third edition as well," Khadka said.

McMullen joins New Zealand's Scott Kuggeleijn and England's Saif Ali Zaib, who was re-signed as the Royals' first overseas player of the season, in a squad the franchise is building around continuity from its earlier campaigns. Zaib, also a returnee, was named the best player of the inaugural NPL after scoring 275 runs and taking 12 wickets in nine matches for the same franchise.

The re-signing continues a pattern for Sudurpaschim Royals, who have reached the NPL final in both editions held so far—losing to Janakpur Bolts in 2024 and to Lumbini Lions in 2025—without winning the title. Retaining players with prior experience at the franchise, rather than rebuilding the overseas contingent from scratch, suggests the team is prioritizing squad familiarity as it chases a first NPL championship in its third attempt.

The Cricket Association of Nepal has confirmed that NPL 2026 will run from October 26 to November 21 at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur, with a single round-robin league phase followed by play-offs among the top four teams. Sudurpaschim Royals open the tournament against defending champions Lumbini Lions in the season's opening match on October 26.