Janakpur Bolts have strengthened their batting options for Nepal Premier League Season 3 by signing Bangladesh international Saif Hassan. 

The announcement comes days after the Bolts opened their campaign with a 19-run defeat to Karnali Yaks on October 27 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Chasing 133, Janakpur were bowled out for 113 in 19.3 overs. Abhishek Tiwari top-scored with 20, while captain Harmeet Singh and Moeen Ali made 19 each.⁠

Saif Hassan, 27, is a right-handed top-order batter and occasional off-spinner who has represented Bangladesh across formats since his Test debut in 2020. He is known in Bangladesh domestic cricket for consistency in longer formats and was the youngest player in the country to score a first-class double century. In white-ball cricket he has shown the ability to open or bat in the upper order, with recent international appearances including ODIs and T20Is. His T20 strike rate and ability to score quickly at the top make him a natural fit for the NPL’s shorter format.

Janakpur, the inaugural NPL champions in 2024, already feature experienced overseas players including Moeen Ali, Jimmy Neesham, Iftikhar Ahmed, and captain Harmeet Singh. The addition of Hassan increases the franchise’s overseas depth. NPL rules allow teams to register up to eight overseas players, with a maximum of four available for selection in any playing XI. Hassan’s arrival gives the Bolts another top-order option as they look to recover from the opening loss.

The Bolts face the Kathmandu Gorkhas next on October 29 at 12:30 PM NPT in Match 5 at the same Kirtipur venue. It is not yet confirmed whether Hassan will be available for that fixture, as the signing was announced close to the match. Early points-table positions show Janakpur with one loss and a negative net run rate, placing them toward the bottom of the eight-team standings after the first few matches of Season 3.

Season 3 runs from October 26 to November 21, with all matches staged at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. The tournament carries official ICC List A T20 status, meaning performances count toward players’ international records. Janakpur will be aiming to build momentum quickly after the Karnali defeat and use the new batting reinforcement as they navigate a compressed double-header schedule.