Fans can check the full NPL 2025 schedule and fixtures once announced. Kathmandu Gurkhas have also signed South African batter Ricardo Vasconcelos and Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus — both confirmed for NPL 2025 overseas players list.

KATHMANDU: England’s wicketkeeper-batter John Simpson has signed with with Kathmandu Gurkhas for the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2, strengthening the team's batting and wicketkeeping lineup ahead of the new campaign.

The announcement was made by Kathmandu Sports Development Ventures Pvt. Ltd., the franchise owner of the Gurkhas, confirming that the 37-year-old English cricketer will represent the Kathmandu-based side in the second edition of the league.

Simpson, who has played three One Day Internationals for England during Pakistan's 2021 tour, brings a wealth of experience from English county cricket. In his second ODI at Lord's, he scored 17 runs and took five catches, leaving a solid impression with both bat and gloves.

Kathmandu Gurkhas head coach Monty Desai said Simpson's addition will bring valuable leadership and composure to the squad. "John Simpson brings proven leadership, experience, and calmness to our group. A left-handed wicketkeeper-batter with years of county success, he currently captains Sussex. His professionalism and mindset make him a great fit for our team," Desai said.

With more than 540 matches across all formats in English domestic cricket, Simpson has accumulated over 16,500 runs, including 19 centuries in 229 first-class appearances. He recently scored an unbeaten 129 for Sussex against Worcestershire in September, showing that his form remains strong heading into the NPL.

Over the years, Simpson has played for Middlesex and Sussex in county cricket, featuring in The Hundred for London Spirit and Northern Superchargers. His T20 career alone includes 195 matches with over 3,000 runs at a strike rate close to 130.

He becomes the fifth overseas player confirmed by Kathmandu Gurkhas for the new season. The team has already signed:

Kathmandu Gurkhas, one of the most prominent franchises in the Nepal Premier League, are preparing for a strong campaign in NPL 2025. With a blend of international stars and local talent, the team aims to make a deep run in the tournament and boost Nepal's growing reputation in global franchise cricket.

For complete tournament details and match schedules, check out the NPL 2025 Schedule. To learn more about the overseas players in the league, visit our Kathmandu Gurkhas team page.