Janakpur Bolts have signed Pakistani right-arm medium-fast bowler Hunain Shah for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League, the franchise announced on October 24, 2026. The 22-year-old, younger brother of Pakistan international Naseem Shah, joins as an overseas player ahead of the tournament that begins on October 26.

The Janakpur Bolts confirmed the deal on their official social media channels, describing Shah as bringing “raw pace, deadly yorkers, and big-moment nerve to the attack.” This is his first involvement in the NPL. He will make his debut for the side during the season, which runs until November 21 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Shah has built a growing reputation in domestic and franchise cricket. In the 2026 Pakistan Super League, he took 17 wickets for the Hyderabad Kingsmen at an average of 18.41 and an economy of 8.57 after entering the side mid-tournament, helping the team reach the final. Across his T20 career he has taken 47 wickets in 40 matches. In first-class cricket he has claimed 39 wickets in 14 matches, with best figures of 5/84. He has also featured in the Caribbean Premier League for the Jamaica Kingsmen.

The signing addresses a clear need for Janakpur. After winning the inaugural NPL title in 2024, the Bolts finished last in Season 2 with only one win. For NPL Season 3, they have rebuilt under new captain Harmeet Singh (USA), with overseas recruits including Moeen Ali (England), Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand), and Iftikhar Ahmed (Pakistan). Reports ahead of the signing noted that the squad still lacked a specialist frontline fast bowler among the overseas contingent. Shah provides that pace option alongside the domestic attack and the all-round skills of the other internationals.

No contract length or financial terms were disclosed in the franchise announcement. Shah is expected to be available for Janakpur’s early matches. The Bolts open their campaign on October 27 against Karnali Yaks.

The addition continues a busy period of overseas recruitment across the NPL, with multiple franchises securing international players as the season approaches. For the 2024 champions, Shah’s arrival offers both immediate bowling depth and a high-profile name with recent high-stakes T20 experience as they aim to recover from last season’s bottom-place finish.