Kathmandu Kings XI, one of the six franchises in the Everest Premier League, has spiced up the tournament with the announcement of another big signing in United Arab Emirates skipper Rohan Mustafa for the upcoming edition.

Mustafa is one of the most experienced campaigners in the Associate cricket having represented the Emiratis in 26 One Day Internationals and 24 Twenty20 Internationals. The genuine all rounder had previously played for eventual champions Team Chauraha Dhangadhi in the Dhangadhi Premier League (DPL).

The 29-year old Mustafa was adjudged the man-of-the-series in the DPL and the genuine allrounder will join a Kings XI side that has already roped in Ireland star Kevin O’Brien for the professional Twenty20 league which is tentatively scheduled for November. “Rohan Mustafa is a left-handed batsman and a right-arm slow bowler, a perfect all-rounder for the team, with a proven track record in Nepal and loves playing in Nepal” Kings XI COO Raj Jung Thapa mentioned in a press statement.

“This batting all-rounder has the capacity to bat at any order and will be a key ingredient for Kathmandu Kings XI which is the biggest franchise in TVS EPL and Rohan has declared he is very happy to come back and play in Nepal,” added the statement.

Mustafa had lifted the DPL trophy under the leadership of Nepali pace bowler Sompal Kami who is also the marquee player for Kings XI. Acquired by Tele Holdings Pvt Ltd, Kings XI had finished in the previous edition with just one victory to their name. Kings XI had lit up the previous edition of EPL recruiting former Sri Lankan international Farveez Maharoof.

Under the EPL regulation, each team needs to include three foreign recruits in their squad. Kings XI are the only franchise to announce their international signing so far. Biratnagar Warriors, Lalitpur Patriots, Bhairahawa Gladiators, Chitwan Tigers and Pokhara Rhinos are the other six franchises in the EPL.

Paras Khadka-led Warriors had beaten Sharad Vesawkar’s Gladiators in a breath taking final in the last edition which was watched by over 12 thousand spectators at the Tribhuvan University Stadium.