The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is assessing Decision Review System (DRS) technology for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), which could bring player reviews to the tournament for the first time. CAN Secretary Paras Khadka said the association has tested systems from two companies and will pick a provider once it has the final accuracy assessment.

"If the technology is found to be reliable, we can start DRS from this edition," Khadka said, in comments reported by Khadka. "A full DRS setup of the kind used at ICC events such as the World Cup needs considerable resources." CAN is therefore looking for a system it considers reliable and workable for a domestic league. DRS lets teams challenge selected umpiring decisions and have them checked with technology. Its use in the NPL is not yet confirmed, and no provider has been named.

ICC sanction and career records

Khadka said the process of obtaining ICC sanction for the NPL has reached its final stage. The outcome affects whether performances count officially. Statistics from the first two NPL editions were not added to players' career records. If the tournament is sanctioned, performances could be recorded, depending on the classification granted. Khadka said the league could receive List A or T20 status.

He said several overseas players are already signed, including David Warner, Shakib Al Hasan, Sikandar Raza, and Ravi Bopara. The franchises will announce further names gradually once sanction is received. "It would not be appropriate to speculate until the official announcements are made," he said.

Reports on the signings so far say Kathmandu Gorkhas have signed Warner, the former Australia captain, and that Jimmy Neesham and Charith Asalanka are also confirmed for the season. The NPL third-edition schedule was announced on a Saturday, 26 October, to 21 November 2026.

Nepal's national priorities

Khadka said Nepal's next four ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 matches are CAN's biggest priority. Nepal needs strong results to retain ODI status, and CAN is also preparing for a possible push towards the playoffs.

On bilateral cricket, Khadka said talks over a series involving India A and Bangladesh have progressed. Proposals have also gone to other test-playing nations. He said the 2027 calendar is almost ready and will be made public once formal decisions are made.

CAN and the NPL have not yet confirmed a DRS provider, ICC sanction, or the tournament's classification. Further announcements are expected once those decisions are made.