Indian wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat will not play for Kathmandu Gorkhas in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026, with the franchise confirming that he will not join the squad for the third edition.

Kathmandu Gorkhas announced the development on Facebook on Wednesday, November 4, citing the player's prior commitments as the reason for his absence.

"Due to prior commitments, KS Bharat will not be joining us this season. We wish him a bright future," the franchise said in its statement.

The announcement means Kathmandu Gorkhas will be without the Indian wicketkeeper-batter for the remainder of NPL Season 3, despite having previously announced his signing as an overseas player.

Why KS Bharat Is Not Playing in NPL 2026

According to the franchise's statement, Bharat's absence is due to prior commitments. Kathmandu Gorkhas did not disclose further details about those commitments or announce a replacement in the statement.

The 32-year-old had been announced as a Kathmandu Gorkhas signing ahead of the tournament. His planned participation had added an experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batter to the franchise's overseas options.

KS Bharat's T20 and IPL Experience

Bharat has scored more than 1,800 runs in 91 T20 matches. He has also represented India in Test cricket and was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad that won the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) title.

His experience behind the stumps and in the middle order had made him an additional option for Kathmandu Gorkhas ahead of their NPL 2026 campaign.

Kathmandu Gorkhas will continue their Season 3 campaign without Bharat as the league progresses at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.