Rubel joins Shakib in Pokhara Avengers for NPL

Bangladesh mystery spinner Mohammad Rubel has earned an opportunity in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after turning heads with his performances in the Top End T20 Series in Australia.

The Pokhara Avengers have signed Rubel for the upcoming tournament, where he will share the dressing room with Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

Young batter Ariful Islam and wicketkeeper-batter Akbar Ali have also secured NPL contracts with Karnali Yaks, while Jishan Alam is expected to represent Biratnagar Kings.

Ariful impressed in the Top End T20, scoring 219 runs in seven matches for Bangladesh High Performance, including two half-centuries.

Akbar, a former Bangladesh Under-19 captain, will make his overseas franchise cricket debut with Karnali Yaks.

The NPL is scheduled to run from 26 October to 21 November, with all matches set to be played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu.