Pokhara Avengers have signed Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for the third season of the Nepal Premier League, adding one of the most decorated players in franchise cricket history to their 2026 squad. The franchise confirmed the deal in a social media announcement, calling it a marquee addition ahead of the tournament.

Shakib, 39, is a former Bangladesh national team captain and remains one of the most prolific all-rounders in T20 history. Across his T20 International career, he has scored 2,551 runs and taken 149 wickets in 129 matches. In all forms of T20 cricket combined, his numbers run to 478 matches, 7,853 runs, and 515 wickets, spanning stints with more than 30 franchise sides worldwide.

He arrives in Nepal fresh off a stint with Jaffna Kings in the ongoing Lanka Premier League, continuing an active franchise schedule despite having stepped back from Bangladesh's national setup. It has not been specified whether Shakib will be available for the Avengers' full campaign, given his ongoing commitments across multiple T20 leagues.

Shakib joins a growing list of international stars in NPL Season 3, which also includes Shikhar Dhawan at Karnali Yaks, Faf du Plessis and Martin Guptill at Biratnagar Kings, and Chris Lynn at Sudurpaschim Royals. His signing gives Pokhara Avengers, led by Kushal Bhurtel, a significant boost as the franchise looks to improve on a difficult debut season.

NPL Season 3 is scheduled to run from October 26 to November 21, 2026, across the league's eight franchises. Fans can track the Avengers' campaign through the NPL 2026 Schedule and NPL 2026 Teams pages, with full squad details available on the Pokhara Avengers team profile.