Lumbini Lions confirmed the signing of Bangladeshi left-handed batting all-rounder Shamim Hossain Patwari on Thursday, adding middle-order depth as the defending champions prepare for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League.

The franchise announced the deal on its official Facebook page, stating, "Shamim Hossain has officially become a member of the Lions team. Now is the time to answer through his game on the field.” Earlier reports had indicated an agreement was in place pending a no-objection certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board; the Lions’ confirmation on 23 October means the 26-year-old is set to feature in the tournament.

Shamim, a left-hand batter and right-arm off-break bowler, first rose to prominence as a member of the Bangladesh Under-19 side that won the 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. He made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in July 2021 and immediately made an impression, scoring 29 off 13 balls on debut and an unbeaten 31 off 15 in the series-clinching third match. He has since appeared in more than 50 T20Is for Bangladesh and also made his ODI debut in 2023.

His most recent high-profile form came in the 2024-25 Bangladesh Premier League, where he scored 352 runs for Chittagong Kings at a strike rate close to 160, helping the side reach the final. He is known for aggressive stroke play in the middle and lower order, sharp fielding, and the ability to contribute with the ball when needed. This NPL appearance is expected to be one of his first major overseas T20 league outings.

For Lumbini Lions, the signing adds another overseas option alongside already confirmed players D’Arcy Short (Australia), Niroshan Dickwella (Sri Lanka), Ruben Trumpelmann (Namibia), and Shadley van Schalkwyk (USA). Captain Rohit Paudel led the side to their maiden title last season, when they beat Sudurpaschim Royals by six wickets in the final after recovering from a bottom-place finish in the inaugural edition. The addition of Shamim’s explosive batting gives the Lions greater flexibility in the middle order as they chase a second consecutive title.

Fans can follow Lumbini Lions’ full squad and remaining overseas announcements, along with the complete NPL 2026 schedule and fixtures, for further updates ahead of the season opener.