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Ex-Ranji Trophy star Priyank Panchal signs with Karnali Yaks for Nepal Premier League

Akshita Patel

Priyank Panchal to join NPL 2025 [Source: @ICCAsiaCricket/X.com]Priyank Panchal to join NPL 2025 [Source: @ICCAsiaCricket/X.com]

Indian opening batsman Priyank Panchal has signed a major deal with Karnali Yaks, thereby becoming the fourth overseas player to join the latter's squad ahead of the NPL 2025. The experienced Gujarat batsman is known for his regular and consistent domestic performances in the Ranji Trophy.

The 35-year-old Priyank Panchal has been a reliable performer for Gujarat, scoring heavily in the Ranji Trophy and earning recognition as one of India’s most consistent first-class batsmen. 

He has also represented India in the Hong Kong Super Sixes.

Priyank Panchal to feature in Nepal Premier League 2025

Karnali Yaks director Grihendra Ghimire confirmed the signing of Priyank Panchal, saying the move was part of the team’s plan to solidify their batting.

Before Panchal’s signing, the team had already confirmed three foreign players, Australian batter William Basisto, whose contract has been renewed, and newcomers James Watt and Max O’Dowd, the Netherlands star. 

With these additions, Karnali Yaks have built one of the most balanced squads of the season. 

The team will continue under the leadership of coach Gyanendra Malla, a respected figure in Nepali cricket, with Raju Basnet serving as consultant coach. 

From last season’s squad, key players such as Sompal Kami (marquee player), Gulshan Jha, Nandan Yadav, Bipin Prasad Sharma, Dipendra Rawat, Arjun Gharti, and Younis Singh Thakuri have been retained.

Karnali Yaks, who reached the second qualifier in the first edition, are looking to go a step further this time. They have also signed Pawan Sarraf, Yuvraj Khatri, Imran Sheikh, and Deepak Dumre from the recent player auction.

Who is Priyank Panchal?

Priyank Panchal is a right-handed opening batter hailing from Ahmedabad in Gujarat. He was born on April 9, 1990. He has been one of the consistent performers in domestic cricket, playing for Gujarat and India A. 

Panchal’s standout moment came in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season, where he scored 1,310 runs, including a triple century (314*). 

Though he never made his senior India debut, he was part of Test squads and captained India A. In May 2025, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.