Pokhara Avengers sign Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Sadeera Samarawickrama

Pokhara Avengers have signed Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Sadeera Samarawickrama ahead of their opening match of the third Nepal Premier League season, adding experience to their batting line-up and wicketkeeping options.

The 31-year-old right-hander arrived in Nepal on Tuesday. His signing gives Pokhara a third Sri Lankan player and takes the team’s overseas contingent to six.

Pokhara have retained Sri Lankan batting all-rounder Dhananjaya Lakshan, who also featured for the franchise last season, and signed pace-bowling all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne for the new campaign.

The team has also recruited three Bangladesh all-rounders: former captain Shakib Al Hasan, pace-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin and spin-bowling all-rounder Mahedi Hasan.

Samarawickrama has represented Sri Lanka in all three international formats, playing nine Tests, 55 one-day internationals and 19 Twenty20 internationals. He was also part of Sri Lanka’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup.

A middle-order batter, he has featured for four different teams in the Lanka Premier League. His experience in international and franchise cricket is expected to strengthen Pokhara’s batting and wicketkeeping as they seek their first NPL title.

Pokhara, captained by Kushal Bhurtel, face two-time finalists Sudurpaschim Royals in their opening match of the tournament on Wednesday.

The franchise has also made changes to its coaching and support staff. Former Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis has been appointed head coach, while former India international Irfan Pathan has joined as the team’s cricket ambassador.

Pokhara have retained experienced players while adding young Nepali talent and overseas recruits as they look to improve on their previous NPL campaigns. The team finished seventh in the inaugural edition in 2024 and fifth in 2025, missing the playoffs on both occasions.