Former India cricketer KS Bharat set to play Nepal Premier League

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Kona Srikar Bharat has been signed by Kathmandu Gurkhas as their first foreign recruit for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League. The signing was confirmed on August 23, 2026, and represents Bharat's first franchise commitment since he retired from international cricket in June 2026.

Kathmandu Gurkhas have secured Bharat ahead of the Nepal Premier League 2026, which is scheduled to run from November 17 to December 13, 2026. His confirmation makes him the first overseas player to be announced by the franchise for this edition of the tournament, underlining the Gurkhas' intent to build around experienced international talent from the outset of their squad assembly.

Bharat represented India in seven Test matches during his international career, serving as the side's wicketkeeper-batsman throughout that period. He also featured in the Indian Premier League for two well-known franchises, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, giving him direct exposure to high-pressure T20 cricket at the highest domestic level in India.

Away from the international and IPL stages, Bharat has accumulated more than 6,000 runs in first-class cricket, a record that speaks to his consistency as a batsman across longer formats. That combination of glovework, T20 experience and a substantial first-class batting record gives Kathmandu Gurkhas a technically grounded option both behind the stumps and in the middle order.

Bharat retired from international cricket in June 2026. The former India cricketer's decision to join Kathmandu Gurkhas signals a clear intention to continue playing competitive franchise cricket after stepping away from the India setup, and the Nepal Premier League provides him with an active platform to do so.

The Nepal Premier League is a T20 franchise competition staged in Nepal. The 2026 edition is the third instalment of the tournament and is scheduled to begin on November 17, running through to December 13.

The league has drawn overseas players in its previous two editions, and Bharat's arrival as the first confirmed foreign recruit for Kathmandu Gurkhas in this cycle reflects the competition's continued effort to attract experienced international names. His presence is expected to strengthen the Gurkhas' batting depth and provide reliable wicketkeeping cover across the tournament's fixtures.