Sudurpaschim Royals have signed West Indies international Sherfane Rutherford for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League, with the franchise confirming the deal on October 24, 2026. The 28-year-old left-hand batter and medium-pace bowler is set to make his NPL debut as the tournament begins on October 26.

The Royals, who have finished as runners-up in both previous NPL seasons, added the experienced power-hitter to strengthen their middle-order batting and all-round options. Rutherford has represented the West Indies in 31 ODIs (873 runs) and 61 T20 Internationals (1,123 runs, with the highest score of 84). Across all T20 cricket, he has scored 5,090 runs in 283 matches at a strike rate of 142.05, including 324 sixes.⁠

In franchise cricket, Rutherford has featured in the Caribbean Premier League (part of the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots title-winning side in 2022), Pakistan Super League (Karachi Kings title winners in 2020-21), IPL, Bangladesh Premier League, Lanka Premier League, International League T20, and Major League Cricket. In the 2025 IPL, he scored 291 runs in 13 matches for Gujarat Titans. He has also played for Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru and was part of title-winning squads with Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders without featuring in those campaigns.

Prakash Khadka, chief executive officer of Sudurpaschim Royals, said the signing would bolster the side’s batting and all-round resources. “We are excited to bring an experienced and aggressive player like Sherfane Rutherford into the Sudurpaschim Royals. We believe his batting ability and franchise cricket experience will strengthen the team. His presence in the NPL will also excite our supporters, and we expect him to make an important contribution to our campaign this season,” Khadka said.

Rutherford welcomed the move. “I am very excited to join Sudurpaschim Royals. I am looking forward to playing in the NPL and showcasing my skills in front of Nepali supporters. My goal is to perform well with the team and give the fans exciting cricket,” he said.⁠

The signing comes days before Season 3 opens. Defending champions Lumbini Lions face the Royals in the tournament opener on October 26 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The Royals, captained by Dipendra Singh Airee and coached by former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, have reached both previous finals (losing to Janakpur Bolts in 2024 and Lumbini Lions in 2025) and will be aiming for a first title. Rutherford’s aggressive middle-order batting gives them an additional power option alongside the retained Nepali core as they pursue that breakthrough.

No contract length or financial details were disclosed in the franchise announcement. Rutherford is expected to be available for the Royals’ early fixtures, starting with the opening match against Lumbini