New Zealand’s bowling all-rounder, Scott Kuggeleijn, will join Sudurpaschim Royals in the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Kuggeleijn, who has played in all three formats (Tests, ODIs, T20Is) for New Zealand, last appeared in a Test against Australia in March this year. Known for his fast bowling and lower-order hitting, he has experience in top global T20 leagues and began his first-class career in 2011.
In T20s, he boasts 168 wickets with a bowling average of 26 and a strike rate of 134 with the bat. Additionally, he has scored four centuries and 18 half-centuries in first-class cricket.
The Royals have already signed Scottish all-rounder Brandon McMullen and English cricketer Saf Ali Zeb. Former Australian World Cup winner Brad Hodge will mentor the team, with Dipendra Singh Airee as the marquee player and Jagat Tamata as head coach.
The Royals are holding open trials to select one iconic player and four Sudurpaschim heroes for the squad. This talent hunt will be held on Kartik 28 (November 13) in Dhangadhi.
The NPL, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), begins on Mangsir 16 (December 1) with eight teams participating.
Sudurpaschim Royals Team
Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Abhinash Bohara, Binod Bhandari, Arjun Kumal, Khadak Bohara, Ishan Pandey, Naresh Budayair, Bhojraj Bhatt, Naren Saud, Amit Shrestha, Brandon McMullen, Saf Ali Zeb
