Misbah-ul-Haq Named Sudurpaschim Royals Head Coach for NPL Season 3

Sudurpaschim Royals have turned to Pakistan cricket royalty in their quest for a first Nepal Premier League title, appointing former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq as head coach for Season 3.

The appointment

Sudurpaschim Royals confirmed the appointment through their official social media channels on 16 October 2026. "One of Pakistan's most respected figures in international cricket, former captain and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq is now part of Sudurpaschim Royals," the franchise's announcement read, according to A-Sports.

The 52-year-old replaces Jagat Tamata, who guided the Royals through the first two NPL seasons. Under Tamata, the franchise established itself as the league's most consistent side, finishing top of the standings in both editions. But consistency without silverware has defined the Royals' story so far — they reached the final twice and lost twice, falling to Janakpur Bolts in the inaugural season and to Lumbini Lions in last year's low-scoring decider.

The timing is significant. With the third edition starting on 26 October at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, the Royals have just days to integrate a new head coach before the tournament opener — which, fittingly, pits them against defending champions Lumbini Lions.

A decorated career

Misbah-ul-Haq brings one of the most distinguished résumés in South Asian cricket. As a player, he represented Pakistan in 75 Tests, scoring 5,222 runs at an average of around 46, with 10 centuries and 39 half-centuries. In ODIs, he made 5,122 runs before retiring from limited-overs cricket after the 2015 World Cup. He played his last Test in 2017.

It was as captain that Misbah made his deepest mark. He led Pakistan in 56 Tests, recording 26 victories, and under his leadership the team rose to the top of the ICC Test rankings for the first time in 2016 — a remarkable achievement for a side that played its home matches at neutral venues during that period.

His franchise credentials are equally strong. Misbah captained Islamabad United to the title in the inaugural Pakistan Super League season in 2016, establishing his reputation as a tactician in the shortest format. In T20 internationals, he played 162 matches and scored 3,491 runs.

Coaching pedigree

Misbah moved into coaching after retirement and served as Pakistan's men's head coach and chief selector from 2019 to 2021, hired on a three-year contract in a dual role. He later stepped down from the selector position following a change in the PCB's code of ethics.

Most recently, Misbah served as batting coach for Peshawar Zalmi, who won the Pakistan Super League's 11th edition earlier in 2026 — ending a nine-year wait for the title. That triumph, built on smart tactical planning and player management, is exactly the kind of experience the Royals are banking on.

His appointment follows his departure from PCB roles during Pakistan's red-ball tour of England, where the board made sweeping changes to its Test setup. The move to Nepal offers Misbah a fresh challenge in franchise cricket.

What Misbah said

Reacting to the appointment, Misbah spoke warmly about the opportunity. "I am very excited to be joining the Sudurpaschim Royals as the head coach for the upcoming season. I have heard a lot about the passion for the cricket in Nepal. I am really looking forward to being part of that atmosphere and working with the talented group of players," he said.

The quote, carried by Dunya News, News18 and A-Sports, struck a familiar note — international stars who come to Nepal consistently praise the country's cricket-mad supporters, and Misbah's words suggest he has done his homework on the league's culture.

Royals' title quest

For Sudurpaschim Royals, this appointment is about converting dominance into silverware. No team has been more consistent across the NPL's first two seasons: top of the table both times, finalists both times, champions never. The arrivals of overseas signings like Scotland all-rounder Brandon McMullen, New Zealand quick Scott Kuggeleijn and former player-of-the-tournament Saif Ali Zaib have strengthened the squad, but the franchise clearly felt a change in the dugout was needed to take the final step.

Misbah's reputation as a calm, methodical leader who builds winning cultures — first with Pakistan's Test side, then with Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi — makes him a natural fit for a team that has everything except a trophy. Whether he can deliver the Royals' first NPL title will be one of the defining storylines of Season 3, which runs from 26 October to 21 November 2026.