KATHMANDU: Pokhara Avengers have retained marquee player Kushal Bhurtel and six other players for Season 3 of the Nepal Premier League.
The franchise announced its retained list for NPL 2026 through its social media. Kushal Bhurtel will continue as the marquee player.
Pokhara have also retained Sagar Dhakal, Arjun Kumal, Bipin Khatri, Aakash Chand, Kiran Thagunna and Dinesh Kharel.
The decision keeps Pokhara’s domestic core intact as the franchise looks for a stronger third season. The Avengers have not reached the playoffs in the first two editions of the NPL.
Pokhara entered the league with major expectations. They were the most expensive franchise in the first team-ownership auction before the inaugural season.
But the first season did not match that billing. Pokhara finished seventh in the 2024 NPL and failed to qualify for the playoffs.
Their biggest moment that season came against Lumbini Lions. Andries Gous and Dinesh Kharel shared an unbeaten 176-run opening stand, which remains one of the standout partnerships in NPL history. Gous scored a century, while Dinesh made an unbeaten 61 in a 10-wicket win.
Pokhara improved in the second season but still missed the playoffs. They finished fifth in the 2025 NPL.
The Avengers also had the tournament’s leading run-scorer in 2025. Adam Rossington scored 323 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 150.93, including a highest score of 108 not out.
Despite that, Pokhara could not turn individual performances into a playoff finish. Across the first two seasons, their record has remained one of the weaker among NPL teams.
The retention list shows Pokhara are backing continuity around Bhurtel. Sagar gives them a left-arm spin option, while Aakash and Bipin add bowling depth.
Arjun, Kiran and Dinesh give the squad young batting options. Dinesh already has a major NPL innings for Pokhara after his role in the record opening stand with Gous.
Pokhara will now look to complete the rest of their squad through the NPL auction.
