Kathmandu Gorkhas have signed former Australia batter David Warner for Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3, bringing one of international cricket’s most decorated players to Nepal for the 2026 tournament.
The franchise announced Warner’s arrival on social media on Tuesday, September 15, adding the Australian to an international roster that also includes Sri Lanka’s Sahan Arachchige and India’s KS Bharat. The third NPL season is scheduled to run from October 26 to November 21.
Welcome to the Valley @davidwarner31 🔥#NPL | #DavidWarner | #Season3 pic.twitter.com/1ukwSbgKEK
— Kathmandu Gorkhas (@ktm_gorkhas) September 15, 2026
Warner addressed supporters in a video posted by Kathmandu Gorkhas on X: “Hi everyone, I am really excited to be coming to Nepal and joining the Kathmandu Gorkhas squad. I know it has been an incredibly difficult time for so many, and I hope that the NPL could bring some joy and give people something to come together.”
He added: “I have heard so much about the passion and the fans. I can’t wait to experience it all. I can’t wait to meet you and get out there and be with my team. Three cities, one soul, one team and one dream. Ayo Gorkhali!”
12th Warriors, you manifested this!
Two-time ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup champion.
T20 World Cup champion and Player of the Tournament.
World Test Championship winner.
Triple centurion.
And the only player to win three IPL Orange Caps.🔥
One of world cricket’s most… pic.twitter.com/zxTMyD2On2
— Kathmandu Gorkhas (@ktm_gorkhas) September 15, 2026
Gorkhas spent months pursuing Warner signing
Securing Warner required a sustained recruitment effort from Kathmandu Gorkhas, with the franchise working over an extended period to bring the former Australia opener to the TU Cricket Ground.
Kathmandu Gorkhas Executive Director Anubhab Swar Sirohiya said in a statement: “This moment is deeply personal to me as well.”
He continued: “Bringing David Warner to the Kathmandu Gorkhas was not something that happened overnight. It took months of conversations, persistence and belief from everyone involved. There were many moments when it felt difficult, but the possibility of seeing a player of his stature represent Kathmandu and play at the TU Cricket Ground made every effort worthwhile.”
The franchise had built anticipation around the identity of its new signing before the announcement. It posted an image featuring representations of the ODI and T20 World Cup trophies on September 12, followed two days later by a necklace carrying Warner’s No. 31.
In the caption accompanying Warner’s video on X, Kathmandu Gorkhas wrote: “12th Warriors, you manifested this! Two-time ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup champion. T20 World Cup champion and Player of the Tournament. World Test Championship winner. Triple centurion. And the only player to win three IPL Orange Caps.”
The franchise added: “One of world cricket’s most explosive names is now coming to our Valley. This one is for our 12th Warriors. This one is for Nepal cricket. David Warner, welcome to the Valley.”
Gorkhas target wider impact for Nepal cricket
Beyond strengthening their playing squad, Kathmandu Gorkhas are positioning Warner’s recruitment as an opportunity to generate greater attention around the NPL and Nepal cricket.
Sirohiya said in the statement: “This is much bigger than one signing or one franchise. If bringing a global icon like David Warner to Nepal can inspire young players, excite our supporters, attract greater international attention and contribute in some way to the growth of Nepali cricket, then it will be one of the most meaningful things I have had the privilege of being part of.”
He added: “This is for Nepali cricket. And above all, this is for every cricket fan in Nepal who has always believed that our country and our game deserve the biggest stage.”
Warner brings extensive franchise experience to NPL
Warner arrives in Nepal after a career spanning the highest levels of international and franchise cricket. He represented Australia in 112 Tests, 161 ODIs and 110 T20Is, accumulating approximately 19,000 international runs and 49 centuries across the three formats.
His international honours include ODI World Cup titles in 2015 and 2023, the 2021 T20 World Cup and the 2021–23 World Test Championship. His Test career also featured an unbeaten 335 against Pakistan in Adelaide in 2019.
Warner established an equally substantial record in the Indian Premier League, scoring 6,565 runs from 184 matches and winning the Orange Cap three times. He captained Sunrisers Hyderabad to the IPL championship in 2016 and also represented Delhi Capitals during his time in the competition.
After going unsold at the 2025 IPL mega auction and not registering for the 2026 edition, Warner has remained active across franchise cricket, including appearances in the 2025–26 Big Bash League and 2026 Pakistan Super League.
His move to Kathmandu now takes that franchise career into another market, with Warner set to join the Gorkhas when the third season of the Nepal Premier League begins in October.
