Kathmandu: Kathmandu Gorkhas have roped in wicketkeeper-batter Ricardo Vasconcelos as their first foreign signing for the upcoming second season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

Born in South Africa and currently active in England’s domestic circuit, Vasconcelos joined the Gorkhas on Monday — the same day he celebrated his 28th birthday.

Originally from Johannesburg, Vasconcelos has previously represented South Africa U-19 and made his first-class debut for Boland in South African domestic cricket.

The left-handed batter now plays for Northamptonshire in county cricket and also features in the Vitality Blast T20. He has captained the side as well. In the latest 2025 edition of the Vitality Blast, he scored 342 runs in 15 matches. Overall, he has 1,446 runs from 60 matches in the tournament with a strike rate over 127.

Team owners Kathmandu Sports Development Ventures Pvt Ltd said they are thrilled to welcome Vasconcelos on board.

The Gorkhas have already retained marquee player Karan KC along with Bhim Sharki, Shahab Alam, Rashid Khan, Dipesh Kandel, and Pratik Shrestha. From the recent mini auction, the team added Mohammad Adil Alam, Santosh Yadav, Aakash Tripathi, Uttam Thapa Magar and Tul Bahadur Thapa.

The team will play under former Nepal national coach Monty Desai while Basanta Shahi will serve as his deputy.

The second edition of the NPL featuring eight teams will be played from November 17 to December 13. Janakpur Bolts are the defending champions. Kathmandu Gorkhas crashed out from the group stage finishing fifth in the last edition.