The third season of the Nepal Premier League starts on October 26 at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur and runs until November 21, introducing the Decision Review System for the first time, official Twenty20 status from the ICC, upgraded stadium facilities, and a stronger overseas player line-up.

The Cricket Association of Nepal has brought in DRS following umpiring controversies in earlier seasons. The system will use three-dimensional ball tracking for leg-before-wicket decisions, edge detection technology for possible bat contact, and video reviews covering run-outs, stumpings, front-foot no-balls, height-based wides, and measurements of sixes. Each team will receive two unsuccessful reviews per innings. CAN secretary Paras Khadka has said the technology will cost approximately Rs15 million to Rs20 million, shared between CAN and the eight franchises. Organizers have added roughly 30 minutes to match windows to accommodate reviews, and evening fixtures on single-match days are now scheduled to start at 5:00 PM.

On October 16 the ICC sanctioned Season 3, meaning matches carry official Twenty20 status. Runs, wickets, and other performances will count toward players’ official career statistics. The sanction applies specifically to this edition and is not automatic for future seasons. Previously the lack of official status limited franchises’ ability to attract active international players from Test nations.

Overseas recruitment rules have also been updated. Squads may contain six to eight overseas players, up from previous limits. A playing XI can include no more than four foreign players and must include at least one player from an ICC Associate Member nation. All overseas players, including retired cricketers, require a no-objection certificate from their boards. Anyone who appeared in an unauthorized private league in the six months before the tournament is ineligible. The ICC Anti-Corruption Unit will monitor venues, dressing rooms, and teams.

Confirmed high-profile signings include former Australia captain David Warner for Kathmandu Gorkhas, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell for Biratnagar Kings, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for Pokhara Avengers, and England’s Moeen Ali plus New Zealand’s Jimmy Neesham for Janakpur Bolts. Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is expected to attend as an analyst for broadcaster Himalaya Sports but will not play.

CAN has upgraded the Kirtipur ground with approximately 2,000 additional seats, a covered stand, an LED scoreboard, digital perimeter boards, improved player dugouts with private dining areas, a media center, a dedicated family zone, and better toilet facilities. The work is reported complete ahead of the opening match.

Defending champions Lumbini Lions face Sudurpaschim Royals in the Season 3 opener on October 26. The combination of technology, official status, overseas talent, and venue improvements marks the clearest step yet toward elevating the league’s professional standards and giving Nepali players greater exposure alongside established international cricketers.