Janakpur Bolts have signed Pakistani all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed as an overseas player for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League, the franchise confirmed through its social media channels on September 24.

The 36-year-old right-handed batter, who also bowls off-spin, brings extensive franchise-league experience to Janakpur's squad ahead of NPL 2026, which runs from October 26 to November 21.

Iftikhar has played 66 T20 Internationals for Pakistan, scoring 998 runs. Across all T20 cricket, he has amassed 6,196 runs and taken 97 wickets in 329 matches, giving Janakpur both a middle-order hitting option and a part-time spin-bowling resource.

His T20 résumé includes stints in the Pakistan Super League, Lanka Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League, and Caribbean Premier League—four of the sport's major franchise competitions. That off-spin dimension is notable for Janakpur: it gives the side an additional spin-bowling option to pair with their frontline attack through the NPL's league stage.

Iftikhar is already a familiar name to Nepali cricket followers. He scored a century against Nepal during the 2023 Asia Cup, an innings that powered Pakistan to a big total in that match.

Janakpur has not yet confirmed the composition of their full overseas quota for the season. Further squad announcements are expected as teams finalize their rosters before the tournament opener.