Sahibzada Farhan Signs for Karnali Yaks in NPL 2026

Pakistan's T20I captain Sahibzada Farhan will play franchise cricket in Nepal this season after signing with Karnali Yaks for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League.

Sahibzada Farhan's move to Karnali Yaks

Pakistan's T20I captain Sahibzada Farhan has signed for Karnali Yaks for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League. Karnali Yaks chairman Grihendra Ghimire confirmed the signing to Online Khabar on October 22, according to the league's official report, making Farhan one of the highest-profile overseas arrivals of NPL 2026.

The 30-year-old right-handed top-order batter arrives in outstanding form. Farhan has played six ODIs and 51 T20 internationals for Pakistan, scoring 1,554 runs in the shortest format at a strike rate of 139.49, with two centuries and 13 half-centuries. Across all T20 cricket, he has made 5,775 runs in 186 matches, including nine hundreds and 38 fifties, with a highest score of 162 not out.

Farhan's 2026 T20 World Cup record

Farhan's signing is underpinned by a landmark 2026 men's T20 World Cup, where he finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 383 runs. The league's report notes that he became the first batter to score two centuries in a single edition of the men's T20 World Cup, a feat that helped him earn Pakistan's full-time T20I captaincy.

He has carried that form into Pakistan's recent fixtures, striking 89 in the opening match of the recent series against Sri Lanka. For Karnali, that means landing an opener at the peak of his powers rather than a fading name, with his recent international live scores underlining his consistency at the top of the order.

Karnali Yaks' overseas roster for NPL 2026

Farhan's arrival continues a busy period of overseas recruitment for the Yaks. The franchise had already confirmed Pakistani all-rounder Hussain Talat, whose signing for Karnali was announced earlier in the week, alongside Bangladeshi players Akbar Ali and Ariful Islam. With the NPL now carrying official ICC recognition, franchises can register between six and eight overseas players in their squads, though only four can appear in the playing XI.

All foreign players must obtain a No Objection Certificate from their respective cricket boards, so Farhan's availability will still require clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board. Karnali are looking to improve on a sixth-place finish in 2025, with Sompal Kami leading the domestic core.

What Farhan adds to Karnali's Season 3 ambitions

For a franchise that finished sixth last season, Farhan's signing is a statement of intent. The Karnali Yaks now have a proven international opener who can dominate the powerplay, easing the pressure on the domestic middle order built around Sompal Kami.

The signing also continues the strong Pakistan connection at the Yaks this season, with Hussain Talat already on board and coach Gyanendra Malla overseeing preparations. If Farhan's PCB clearance arrives in time, Karnali's top order could become one of the most feared in the league as they chase their first playoff run since Season 1.

NPL 2026 opener and Karnali's fixture outlook

The NPL Season 3 schedule runs from October 26 to November 21, with every one of the 32 fixtures at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Season 3 carries official ICC recognition, with matches holding List A T20 status, which has helped franchises attract active international players this year. Defending champions Lumbini Lions open the tournament against Sudurpaschim Royals, while Karnali Yaks begin their campaign on October 27 against Janakpur Bolts.

Farhan is the latest marquee overseas name confirmed across the league, following a week that saw Angelo Mathews join Biratnagar Kings and David Warner sign for Kathmandu Gorkhas. With evening fixtures starting at 5:00 PM after the introduction of DRS, Karnali fans will be able to book their seats through the official tickets channel for the team's opening matches.