Pokhara Avengers have confirmed the signing of Bangladesh international all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League. The franchise announced the deal on social media on 23 October 2026, describing it as the official signing of the Bangladesh all-rounder for NPL Season 3.⁠

Saifuddin, 29, is a left-handed batter and right-arm medium-fast bowler. He has played 30 ODIs for Bangladesh, scoring 362 runs at an average of 36.20 with a highest of 51 not out, and taking 42 wickets at 31.19. In 51 T20 Internationals, he has scored 304 runs and taken 57 wickets, with a best of 4/33. He made his T20I debut in 2017 against Sri Lanka and his ODI debut the same year against South Africa. He was part of Bangladesh’s 2016 Under-19 World Cup squad, where he took 13 wickets, and later featured in the 2019 ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup campaigns. The NPL will be his first appearance in an overseas franchise league; he has previously played for several teams in the Bangladesh Premier League.⁠

For Pokhara Avengers, Saifuddin becomes the third Bangladeshi overseas player in the squad, joining former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan and Mahedi Hasan. He is also the fifth overseas signing overall, alongside Sri Lankan all-rounders Chamika Karunaratne and Dhananjaya Lakshan. The addition strengthens the side’s pace options and lower-order batting depth, complementing local seamer Aakash Chand and the existing all-rounder options under captain Kushal Bhurtel and head coach Ajantha Mendis. Irfan Pathan is the team’s cricket ambassador.⁠

Pokhara finished seventh in the inaugural NPL season in 2024 and fifth in 2025, missing the playoffs both times. The franchise has retained a core of Nepali players, including marquee players Kushal Bhurtel, Sagar Dhakal, Arjun Kumal, Bipin Khatri, Aakash Chand, Kiran Thagunna, and Dinesh Kharel, and added further domestic talent through the auction. Saifuddin’s arrival forms part of a clearer overseas balance aimed at improving those previous results.

NPL Season 3 runs from 26 October to 21 November 2026, with all matches at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu. Pokhara Avengers open their campaign on 28 October against Sudurpaschim Royals. The confirmed overseas group gives the side flexibility in selecting a maximum of four overseas players per match under the tournament rules while retaining a minimum of seven Nepali players.

Pokhara Avengers overseas signings for NPL 2026

Pokhara Avengers face Sudurpaschim Royals in their opening fixture of NPL Season 3 on 28 October at the TU International Cricket Ground.