Pokhara Avengers have signed Sri Lankan pace-bowling all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League, according to Online Khabar. The 30-year-old becomes the franchise’s third overseas player for the tournament, which begins on 26 October 2026 at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Karunaratne has represented Sri Lanka in one Test, 26 ODIs, and 46 T20Is. Across all T20 cricket he has played 150 matches and taken 101 wickets. He has featured for four different teams in the Lanka Premier League, was contracted by Kolkata Knight Riders for the 2022 Indian Premier League, and recently appeared for Sri Lanka at the Asian Games in Japan.

The signing strengthens Pokhara’s pace options. Karunaratne will operate alongside Nepali medium-pacer Aakash Chand and returning Sri Lankan all-rounder Dhananjaya Lakshan, who provides medium-pace support. The franchise had already appointed former Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis as head coach and signed Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who will appear in the NPL for the first time. Dhananjaya Lakshan is returning for a second consecutive season with the side. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has been named the team’s cricket ambassador.

Pokhara retained marquee player Kushal Bhurtel along with Sagar Dhakal, Arjun Kumal, Bipin Khatri, Aakash Chand, Kiran Thagunna, and Dinesh Kharel. Through the auction they added Arjun Gharti Magar, Vivek Rana Magar, Sudip Aryal, Sunny BK, Bipin Acharya, and Pratik Pokhrel. The franchise finished outside the playoffs in both previous NPL seasons and is assembling a squad that combines retained domestic core players with experienced international recruits.

Under the ICC conditions confirmed for the 2026 edition, franchises may register between six and eight overseas players, while the playing XI must contain at least seven Nepali players and no more than four overseas players. Karunaratne’s arrival gives Pokhara an additional seam-bowling and lower-order batting option within those limits as the team prepares for its opening fixtures.

The third NPL 2026 season runs from 26 October to 21 November 2026. Pokhara’s schedule will include early matches against other franchises at Kirtipur, where the balance between their retained local talent and the overseas all-rounders will be tested immediately.