Sahibzada Farhan’s return leaves Karnali Yaks without captain for first two NPL matches

Kathmandu, October 26, 2026 — Karnali Yaks are facing uncertainty over their lineup for the opening round of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), with Pakistan T20 captain Sahibzada Farhan expected to miss the team’s first two fixtures after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) asked the franchise to send him back, team owner Grihendra Ghimire said.

The franchise is scheduled to play Janakpur Bolts on Tuesday and Biratnagar Kings on Thursday. Farhan is expected to return to Nepal on October 31, according to the information provided by the franchise owner.

The situation also raises questions about the availability of other Pakistani players signed for the competition. Karnali have Farhan and Hussain Talat in their squad, while Haider Ali, Hunain Shah, Iftikhar Ahmed, Hasan Ali and Usama Mir are among the other Pakistani cricketers listed for the tournament.

The uncertainty follows reports that the PCB has suspended permissions for Pakistani players to take part in the NPL. ESPNcricinfo reported that people associated with the league said some players who had already received no-objection certificates (NOCs) were subsequently informed that their clearance had been put on hold.

Sources connected with the league also told ESPNcricinfo that the PCB had sought approximately $25,000 per player for the certificates. The publication said it could not establish whether the request had been formally submitted in writing. The PCB had not immediately responded to its request for comment.