Lumbini Lions add Sher Malla, Bishal Patel, and Durgesh Gupta to strengthen their squad

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Aug 10, 2025

Bottom finishers of the first Nepal Premier League season, Lumbini Lions, have opted for a bowling-dominated rebuild ahead of Season 2.

Their retained core, featuring captain Rohit Paudel, Bibek Yadav, Abhishesh Gautam, Dinesh Adhikari, Tilak Bhandari, and Sundeep Jora, has now been strengthened with some notable signings from the mini auction.

Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Dilip Nath was the first pick for the Lions, secured for NPR 10 lakhs. Dilip brings national team experience and the ability to bat at the top of the order.

The franchise’s biggest moves came in the form of Bishal Patel and Sher Malla. Bishal, a left-arm medium pacer, has been in stellar form in 2025, claiming 24 wickets in 19 T20 matches at an economy of just 6.71, including a five-wicket haul. He also offers lower-order batting depth.

Sher Malla, known for his mystery off-spin, has been one of the standout bowlers in domestic T20s this year. In just 14 innings, he has bagged 25 wickets at an economy of 5.63. His batting ability is equally handy, with fans still recalling his six against the Yaks in Season 1 that helped Janakpur reach the finals.

The Lions also re-signed seamer Durgesh Gupta and added all-rounder Adil Khan from Bagmati Province to their roster.

Despite their strengthened bowling attack, the franchise is still on the lookout for an experienced T20 batter and an overseas all-rounder to complete their squad.

Lumbini Lions Squad: Rohit Paudel, Bibek Yadav, Abhishesh Gautam, Dinesh Adhikari, Tilak Bhandari, Sundeep Jora, Bishal Patel, Sher Malla, Durgesh Gupta, Dilip Nath, Adil Khan.