Kathmandu: Namibian cricket captain Gerhard Erasmus will once again represent Kathmandu Gorkhas in the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), a franchise cricket tournament to be held from November 17 to December 30.

The 30-year-old all-rounder also served as the vice-captain of Kathmandu Gorkhas in the first edition. He scored 110 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of over 137 and took 11 wickets at an average of 11.90.

Erasmus has led Namibia as skipper since 2019 and was named the ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year in 2023 and 2024. He delivered a standout bowling performance in a 2023 World Cricket League 2 match against Nepal in Kirtipur, taking 5-28. In 2024, he collected 18 wickets in T20 internationals.

Kathmandu Gorkhas coach Basant Shahi was full of praise for Erasmus. “He was impressive last season, and we are confident he will be even better this time. He is a natural leader who keeps the team active and motivated. His presence will strengthen our side as one of the best associate all-rounders,” said Shahi.

The 30-year-old has amassed 2,178 ODI runs in 63 matches and 1,833 T20I runs in 77 games. He also plays franchise cricket for the Gujarat Giants in the UAE’s ILT20 league.

Erasmus joins South African-born English cricketer Ricardo Vasconcelos as the team’s second overseas player for the 2025 NPL season. Kathmandu Gorkhas crashed out of the group stage, finishing fifth in the last edition.

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. Former Nepal national coach Monty Desai is the head caoch.

The second edition of the NPL features eight teams. Janakpur Bolts are the defending champions.