Dhammika Prasad Retained as Biratnagar Kings Head Coach for NPL Season 3

Biratnagar Kings have kept faith in Dhammika Prasad, retaining the former Sri Lankan international as head coach for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League as the franchise targets a first title.

Continuity in the dugout

Biratnagar Kings have retained Dhammika Prasad as head coach for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League, the franchise confirmed. The former Sri Lankan fast bowler will handle the coaching and strategic leadership of the team in the upcoming season, which runs from 26 October to 21 November 2026.

The decision represents a vote of confidence in Prasad's methods. Biratnagar reached the playoffs in the previous edition but fell short of the final, and the franchise believes continuity — rather than change — is the path to going further this time. OnlineKhabar English also listed Prasad among the international coaches in this season's NPL dugouts.

Prasad said he was delighted to continue. "I am very happy and excited to be associated with Biratnagar Kings this season as well," he said, according to Banking News Nepal.

Pain of last season

Prasad did not hide how much last season's exit hurt. "Last season, when we had to exit from the playoffs, that moment was very painful and disappointing. We had worked very hard, but we could not achieve the expected result," he said.

"The pain of that is still with all of us. This experience has made us even stronger and more committed this time. This time we will give our hundred percent and fight until the last ball for the trophy," Prasad added.

The Kings have strengthened significantly since that playoff exit. The squad now boasts Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka and West Indian superstar Andre Russell among its overseas signings, alongside captain and marquee player Sandeep Lamichhane — arguably the most eye-catching roster in the league.

A seasoned coach

Prasad brings substantial coaching experience. As a player, the right-arm fast bowler represented Sri Lanka in 25 Tests, 24 ODIs and 14 T20 internationals. After retirement, he moved into coaching and has worked as assistant and bowling coach for the USA national cricket team, as well as serving as bowling coach for the Nepal and Oman national teams.

His franchise experience includes bowling coach roles with Colombo Kings in the Lanka Premier League, plus stints as training director of Kandy Bolts and assistant coach of Kandy Royals. He has also coached Florida Lions in the Cayman Islands Match 60 and Gujarat Diamonds in the Big Cricket League.

Biratnagar retained Prasad specifically for his expertise in bowling coaching, player development and team management — qualities the franchise considers vital for a title challenge.

What sets Prasad apart is his familiarity with Nepali cricket specifically. Having served as Nepal's bowling coach, he understands the domestic player pool, the conditions at Kirtipur, and the pressures of representing franchises in front of passionate home crowds. That local knowledge, combined with international franchise experience, is a rare combination in the NPL coaching ranks.

Training in India

As part of preparations for Season 3, Biratnagar Kings are currently training at the Purbanchal Cricket Academy in Uttar Pradesh, India. The team is playing practice matches under floodlights against Indian players who have featured in the Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic first-class competition.

"Our training in India is going well. The players are getting good training. Practicing with experienced players who have played in the Ranji Trophy is making our preparation even stronger. We are aiming to make excellent preparations for the NPL," Prasad said.

The Kings are one of two franchises training in India — Sudurpaschim Royals are practising at the Royal Sports Ganj Cricket Academy in Lucknow — while the remaining six teams continue preparations in Nepal.

Title ambitions

Under Prasad's leadership, Biratnagar Kings aim to mount a serious title challenge in the third NPL edition. With Russell, Asalanka and Lamichhane headlining the squad, expectations are high among the Koshi-based franchise's supporters.

The NPL Season 3 begins on 26 October at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, with all 32 matches — 28 league games and four playoffs — played at the single venue through to the final on 21 November.

The Kings' squad building has been among the most aggressive in the league. Retaining six players before the auction gave the franchise a solid core, and the subsequent additions of Asalanka — Sri Lanka's white-ball captain — and Russell — a two-time T20 World Cup winner with over 600 T20 appearances — signal serious intent. Few teams in NPL history have assembled this much international firepower.

Prasad's challenge will be blending these stars with Nepal's domestic talent. The NPL's playing XI rules require seven Nepali players, meaning the coach must find the right balance between overseas quality and local understanding of Kirtipur's conditions. His experience developing bowlers across different countries should help, particularly with a spin-heavy domestic core led by Lamichhane.