Pakistani international fast bowler Hasan Ali has signed with Chitwan Rhinos for the third season of the Nepal Premier League, according to multiple Nepali media reports on October 25, 2026.⁠

The 32-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler joins a Chitwan squad that already includes overseas players such as Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza, England all-rounder Ravi Bopara, Canada left-arm fast bowler Kaleem Sana, and Pakistan leg-spinner Usama Mir. Reports indicate the franchise confirmed the signing as the tournament approaches.⁠

Hasan Ali has played 57 T20 Internationals for Pakistan, taking 72 wickets at an average of approximately 23.3, with best figures of 5/30. He was the Player of the Tournament in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy after taking 13 wickets, including key contributions in the final. He has also featured in franchise leagues, including the Pakistan Super League, Big Bash League, and Bangladesh Premier League.⁠

His addition bolsters Chitwan’s bowling options under head coach Sohail Tanvir, the former Pakistan fast bowler who previously played for the Rhinos. Captain Kushal Malla leads a side that has retained core Nepali players, including Dev Khanal, Rijan Dhakal, and Kamal Singh Airee, while building around experienced overseas talent. In previous NPL seasons, Bopara has been the franchise’s leading run-scorer.

Chitwan Rhinos finished seventh in NPL 2025 after reaching the Eliminator in the inaugural 2024 edition. The franchise has stated its aim of winning a first title in Season 3. Under NPL rules, teams may register six to eight overseas players but can field a maximum of four in the playing XI, with at least seven Nepali players required.

The third NPL season runs from October 26 to November 21, 2026, with all matches at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Matches hold official T20 status following ICC sanctioning, and the Decision Review System will be in use. Defending champions Lumbini Lions open the tournament against Sudurpaschim Royals on October 26. Chitwan Rhinos begin their campaign against Biratnagar Kings on October 27 at 12:30 pm local time.⁠

Hasan Ali’s arrival adds pace and international experience to an attack that will share the load with Kaleem Sana and local bowlers. Selection will depend on form, conditions at Kirtipur, and availability clearances. Chitwan’s remaining league fixtures include matches against Lumbini Lions (October 31), Sudurpaschim Royals (November 2), Pokhara Avengers (November 6), Kathmandu Gorkhas (November 9), Janakpur Bolts (November 13), and Karnali Yaks (November 15).

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