As the second season of Nepal Premier League (NPL) approaches with excitement building all over the nation, the Karnali Yaks have officially revealed their list of retained players. Yaks, known for their fighting spirit and passionate fan support, are setting the stage for a strong camping in season 2 of the NPL.
The franchise has retained seven key players: Sompal Kami, Gulshan Kumar Jha, Bipin Sharma, Arjun Gharti, Nandan Yadav, Dipendra Rawat, and Unish Bikram Thakuri.
With a mix of emerging talents and reliable performers, Karnali Yaks appear determined to climb higher this season — not just to compete, but to conquer.
Official Retained Players List
Karnali Yaks have officially announced their six key retained players for the NPL season 2. They announced their retained players list through a Facebook post on July 1, 2025.
Following is the list of retained players of Karnali Yaks along with their role for the NPL 2025 season.
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Sompal Kami | Bowler (Right-handed batsman, Right-arm fast-medium bowler) |
| Gulshan Kumar Jha | All-rounder (Left-handed batsman, Right-arm medium-fast bowler) |
| Bipin Sharma | Bowler (Right-handed batsman, Left-arm orthodox spinner) |
| Arjun Gharti | Wicket-keeper Batter (Right-handed batsman) |
| Nandan Yadav | Bowler (Right-arm medium pacer) |
| Dipendra Rawat | All-rounder (Right-handed batsman, Right-arm medium pacer) |
| Unish Bikram Thakuri | All-rounder (Right-handed batsman, Right-arm medium bowler) |
Karnali Yaks have kept a strong and balanced group of players for NPL 2025. Gulshan Kumar Jha, Unish Bikram Thakuri, and Dipendra Rawat are all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball, giving the team flexibility in different match situations. Their presence will be key in helping the team score runs and take important wickets.
The bowling unit looks dependable with Sompal Kami’s pace, Bipin Sharma’s spin, and the support of medium pacer Nandan Yadav. Arjun Gharti will take charge as the wicketkeeper and can also add value with the bat. With this mix of young talent, experience, and versatile roles, Karnali Yaks are building a competitive side for the 2025 season.
Why These Players Were Retained
Karnali Yaks have retained a core group of players who bring balance and strength to the team for NPL 2025. By keeping a mix of reliable all-rounders, experienced bowlers, and a steady wicketkeeper, the Yaks aim to build a well-rounded squad capable of competing at the highest level.
The strategies behind their retention are:
- Retain versatile all-rounders like Gulshan Kumar Jha, Unish Bikram Thakuri, and Dipendra Rawat to provide flexibility in both batting and bowling.
- Secure a strong bowling attack with left-arm spinner Bipin Sharma, fast-medium pacer Sompal Kami, and medium pacer Nandan Yadav to handle different match conditions.
- Keep a steady wicketkeeper-batsman in Arjun Gharti to strengthen the middle order and maintain sharp fielding.
- Focus on creating team stability and chemistry by holding on to players who have shown promise and consistency.
- Build a balanced squad with a mix of youth and experience to aim for a strong and competitive season.
Karnali Yaks’ NPL 2024 Season Review
| Match # | Opponent | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Janakpur Bolts | Lost | By 8 wickets |
| 2 | Kathmandu Gurkhas | Lost | By 3 wickets |
| 3 | Chitwan Rhinos | Won | By 6 wickets |
| 4 | Biratnagar Kings | Won | By 7 runs |
| 5 | Pokhara Avengers | Won | By 7 wickets |
| 6 | Lumbini Lions | Won | By 5 runs |
| 7 | Sudur Paschim Royals | Lost | By 6 wickets |
| 8 | Chitwan Rhinos (Eliminator) | Won | By 21 runs |
| 9 | Janakpur Bolts (Qualifier 2) | Lost | By 2 wickets |
Karnali Yaks had a mixed NPL 2024 season, winning 5 out of 9 matches. They showed strong performances with solid wins against teams like Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Pokhara Avengers, and Lumbini Lions.
However, they also faced some close losses against tough opponents such as Janakpur Bolts and Kathmandu Gurkhas. While their batting and bowling had moments of brilliance, inconsistency in key moments prevented them from dominating the tournament fully. Overall, Karnali Yaks showed promise and competitiveness throughout the season.
Looking Ahead to NPL 2025
Looking ahead to NPL 2025, Karnali Yaks have kept important players who can bat, bowl, and keep wickets well. This gives them a good chance to play smart and strong in different games. The team looks ready to fight hard and improve on last year’s performance.
To do better in 2025, Karnali Yaks must fix some mistakes from last season. They need to bat more consistently and bowl carefully in key moments. If they work together and play their best, they could be strong contenders for the NPL title.
