Shadley van Schalkwyk, Angelo Mathews Join NPL 2026 Squads

Defending champions Lumbini Lions and Biratnagar Kings have strengthened their squads ahead of the third season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), with United States all-rounder Shadley van Schalkwyk joining Lumbini and former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews signing for Biratnagar.

Van Schalkwyk attracted attention during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, taking 13 wickets in four innings. The South Africa-born player represents the United States and offers Lumbini a right-arm medium-fast bowling option as well as left-handed batting.

Mathews brings extensive international experience to Biratnagar. He was part of Sri Lanka’s 2014 T20 World Cup-winning team and captained the national side across all three international formats. His experience with both bat and ball adds another established international name to the Kings’ squad.

Biratnagar have also brought in West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell, as franchises continue to assemble their overseas contingents for the competition. The NPL is scheduled to run from October 26 to November 21 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

The latest signings add international experience and different playing styles to two teams preparing for the upcoming season. Their impact will become clearer once the tournament begins.

Source: The Kathmandu Post.