CAN Sets NPL Season 3 Playing Rules: Eight Overseas Players Per Squad

A day after the ICC sanctioned the Nepal Premier League, CAN secretary Paras Khadka has laid out the playing regulations for Season 3 — headlined by an expanded overseas quota and strict eligibility rules for foreign players.

Eight overseas players per squad, seven Nepalis in the XI

Speaking at a press conference at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Saturday, CAN secretary Paras Khadka confirmed that each of the eight NPL franchises may recruit up to eight overseas players for Season 3, which runs from October 26 to November 21. The quota is a step up from the previous limit of six, reflecting the league’s growing scale after receiving official ICC sanction.

Despite the expanded roster, local players remain protected at the heart of the competition. Every playing XI must feature a minimum of seven Nepali players, meaning franchises can field no more than four overseas cricketers in a match. The regulation guarantees substantial match exposure for national stars and emerging local talent even as the foreign contingent grows.

The timing matters. With ICC recognition secured, franchises can now pursue higher-calibre international signings without the earlier restrictions, and several teams have already moved aggressively in the market. Fans can track every confirmed squad on our NPL Season 3 teams page as the October 26 opener approaches.

NOCs mandatory, unsanctioned cricket off-limits

Under the ICC’s requirements, every overseas player in the NPL must obtain a No Objection Certificate from their home cricket board — and the rule applies even to players who have retired from international cricket. Khadka said the provision is designed to prevent contractual disputes and keep franchise operations transparent.

A second eligibility rule targets unsanctioned cricket. Players who have taken part in unapproved competitions — leagues without official ICC recognition or home-board approval — within the six months before the NPL will not be eligible to play. Khadka explained that domestic competitions must carry official ICC recognition and home-board approval to count as approved cricket.

The conditions form part of a set of mandatory ICC requirements that CAN has accepted in full as part of the sanction process. For franchises finalising their last overseas slots, the message is clear: every signing must clear both the home board and the six-month eligibility window before it is confirmed.

ICC anti-corruption code to be strictly enforced

Integrity was the other pillar of Khadka’s briefing. He said the ICC’s anti-corruption code would be strictly enforced throughout the tournament to guard against match-fixing and spot-fixing, with dedicated anti-corruption units, oversight mechanisms and investigative resources deployed around the event.

While Nepal works toward introducing separate legislation to address such offences, investigations and disciplinary proceedings during the NPL will follow the ICC’s code. Khadka urged players and franchise owners alike to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct, stressing that the league’s new international standing brings heavier responsibility.

The emphasis is no accident. With bigger financial stakes, more stakeholders and a global audience arriving with ICC recognition, the board wants Season 3 remembered for its cricket — not its controversies.

DRS in final stage, T20 status clarification due

Khadka also revealed that preparations to introduce the Decision Review System have reached their final stage, with an official decision expected within two to three days. If confirmed, technology-assisted reviews would add a new layer of officiating standards to the league.

A separate technical clarification — the NPL’s official T20 status — was expected by Monday following formal correspondence with the ICC. The distinction matters because it determines whether performances are recorded in players’ official career statistics. Ratopati separately reported that the ICC’s No Objection letter for the league is valid for one year, underlining how much responsibility now sits with CAN.

Full match timings and the complete fixture list are available on our NPL Season 3 schedule page.

Kathmandu to host ICC Asia Conference in November

In a further sign of Nepal’s rising profile, CAN announced that Kathmandu will host the ICC Asia Conference from November 19 to 21, bringing together cricket administrators and board officials from Test-playing and Associate nations across Asia to discuss regional development and support for emerging cricket nations.

International delegates are expected to arrive from November 17, and CAN plans to invite them to watch the NPL’s climax — the eliminator and the final on November 21 — as a showcase of Nepali cricket’s passion and hospitality. For supporters, the convergence of the conference and the business end of the tournament makes the final week the biggest in the league’s short history. Ticket details are on our NPL tickets guide, and broadcast options on our NPL streaming guide.