Renowned Sri Lankan international Farveez Maharoof was on Friday  named as one of the three mandatory foreign recruits by the Everest Premier League franchise Kathmandu Kings XI.

The right-handed paceman Maharoof will captain Kings XI in the six-team T20 tournament that kicks off at the TU grounds on Dec 18. Maharoof  represented Sri Lanka in 22 Tests, 109 one-day internationals and  eight T20s. He last represented Sri  Lanka in Test match in 2011 and ODI in 2016 with England being the opponents on both the occasions. 

Another Sri Lankan Akshu Fernando and Indian Sagar Kumar was also named as two other foreign recruits. National team bowling allrounder Sompal  Kami is the marque player while Nitesh Thapa was  included in the squad from the talent hunt. Others in the squad include Sagar Pun, Amit Shrestha, Naresh  Budhayer, Jitendra Mukhiya, Raju Rijal, Sushil Kandel, Siddhant  Lohani, Puran BK, Bikram Bhusal and Amar Singh Routela.

Mahroof, who only arrived to Kathmandu on Friday, said he was very much looking forward to the exciting cricket in the EPL. “I came here early so as to know my team better,” said Maharoof adding that he had been following Nepali team’s progress in the ICC tournaments.  “Being a captain and with the experience that I have, I am obliged to perform well,” said Maharoof.

Team owner Rohit Gupta also said he was eagerly awaiting the  tournament to start. “Tournament like EPL helps grow cricket enthusiasts as well as gives momentum in nurturing corporate-sports relationship in Nepal. As T20 is a global sports extravaganza, Nepal also bringing in international player like Maharoof, will definitely give great foundation to the cricket venture,” said Gupta.

Lalitpur Patriots, Pokhara Rhinos, Chitwan Tigers, Biratnagar Warriors and Bhairahawa Gladiators are the other franchises. The tournament offers Rs 2.1 million to the champions.