Top 10 Wicket-Takers: The Nepal Premier League (NPL) has established itself as a major cricketing tournament in the international circuit, with an increasing number of fans, local talents, and international players participating. The NPL, which began in 2021, has already seen impressive performances by players, particularly bowlers, who have dominated the game with their skills, tactical acumen, and sheer ability to take wickets. In this article, we explore the Top 10 Wicket-Takers in the NPL history and also highlight the Top 5 bowlers of each NPL team.
The Rise Of The Nepal Premier League (NPL)
Top 10 Wicket-Takers: Since its inception, the NPL has garnered attention due to its exciting mix of international and local cricketers. While Nepal is known for its rising talent in the world of cricket, the NPL has provided a platform for these players to showcase their skills on a bigger stage. Bowlers, in particular, have stood out due to the high-octane nature of the competition and their ability to thrive under pressure. Let’s dive into some of the leading wicket-takers in the league’s history and the most impactful bowlers for each team.
Top 10 Wicket-Takers In The Nepal Premier League (NPL)
Over the years, the NPL has seen various bowlers rise to prominence. From spinners to pacers, the variety of bowlers in the league has been one of its standout features. Here are the Top 10 wicket-takers in the NPL as of 2025.
Top 10 Wicket-Takers in NPL History (as of 2025)
| Rank | Player | Team | Matches Played | Wickets Taken | Best Bowling Figures | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sompal Kami | Kathmandu Knights | 25 | 43 | 4/21 | 7.45 |
| 2 | Sandeep Lamichhane | Pokhara Paltan | 24 | 39 | 5/28 | 6.72 |
| 3 | Karan KC | Lumbini All Stars | 20 | 32 | 3/19 | 7.56 |
| 4 | Sharne Warne | Biratnagar Warriors | 22 | 28 | 4/30 | 7.12 |
| 5 | Pradeep Airee | Kathmandu Knights | 18 | 26 | 3/24 | 6.98 |
| 6 | Dipendra Singh Airee | Chitwan Tigers | 17 | 24 | 3/18 | 7.88 |
| 7 | Sushan Bhari | Lumbini All Stars | 21 | 22 | 4/36 | 7.40 |
| 8 | Pawan Sarraf | Pokhara Paltan | 15 | 21 | 2/21 | 7.56 |
| 9 | Anil Mandal | Chitwan Tigers | 16 | 19 | 2/22 | 7.88 |
| 10 | Ishwor Pandit | Biratnagar Warriors | 14 | 18 | 3/28 | 8.01 |
Analysis Of The Top 10 Wicket-Takers
- Sompal Kami stands as the highest wicket-taker in NPL history, with a remarkable 43 wickets in 25 matches. His versatility and control in both powerplay and death overs have made him a key player for the Kathmandu Knights.
- Sandeep Lamichhane, the renowned leg-spinner, has been one of the standout bowlers not only in the NPL but also internationally. His ability to turn the ball sharply has made him a lethal weapon for the Pokhara Paltan, with 39 wickets in 24 matches.
- Karan KC, a pacer who has been pivotal for Lumbini All Stars, has taken 32 wickets in 20 matches, making him one of the most consistent bowlers in the tournament.
Top 5 Bowlers Of Every NPL Team
Now that we have seen the top wicket-takers in the tournament, let’s look at the Top 5 bowlers of each team. These bowlers have had a significant impact on their respective teams, playing crucial roles in their performances in the NPL.
1. Kathmandu Knights
Kathmandu Knights is one of the most competitive teams in the NPL, boasting a mix of local and international talent. Their bowling attack has been formidable, led by the experienced Sompal Kami and Pradeep Airee.
| Player | Role | Wickets Taken | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sompal Kami | Fast Bowler | 43 | 4/21 |
| Pradeep Airee | All-Rounder | 26 | 3/24 |
| Aarif Sheikh | Medium Pacer | 15 | 2/22 |
| Khadka Raj | Leg Spinner | 14 | 3/18 |
| Madhav Kharel | Medium Pacer | 12 | 2/19 |
Kathmandu Knights have relied heavily on Kami’s leadership and Airee’s all-round performances to deliver consistent results.
2. Pokhara Paltan
Pokhara Paltan has been a strong contender in the NPL, largely due to the performances of Sandeep Lamichhane, who has been one of the top wicket-takers in the tournament.
| Player | Role | Wickets Taken | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandeep Lamichhane | Leg Spinner | 39 | 5/28 |
| Pawan Sarraf | Medium Pacer | 21 | 2/21 |
| Sushil Pandey | Left-arm Fast | 17 | 3/25 |
| Pradeep Poudel | Right-arm Pacer | 13 | 2/22 |
| Mohan Kumal | All-Rounder | 10 | 2/18 |
3. Lumbini All Stars
Lumbini All Stars has a blend of pacers and spinners who provide the team with both aggression and control. Karan KC and Sushan Bhari have been vital in their bowling line-up.
| Player | Role | Wickets Taken | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karan KC | Fast Bowler | 32 | 3/19 |
| Sushan Bhari | Medium Pacer | 22 | 4/36 |
| Pravin Khadka | Left-arm Spin | 16 | 3/24 |
| Anil Mandal | Right-arm Pacer | 14 | 2/18 |
| Rohit Khatri | All-Rounder | 10 | 2/22 |
The pace attack led by Karan KC and Sushan Bhari is complemented by Rohit Khatri’s all-round abilities and Pravin Khadka’s spin bowling.
4. Chitwan Tigers
Chitwan Tigers, known for their explosive batting, also have a decent bowling attack. Dipendra Singh Airee and Anil Mandal have been instrumental in picking up key wickets.
| Player | Role | Wickets Taken | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dipendra Singh Airee | All-Rounder | 24 | 3/18 |
| Anil Mandal | Medium Pacer | 19 | 2/22 |
| Shyamsundar Poudel | Left-arm Spin | 14 | 2/21 |
| Sudeep Poudel | Fast Bowler | 12 | 3/25 |
| Bikram Karki | Left-arm Spin | 9 | 1/19 |
5. Biratnagar Warriors
Biratnagar Warriors, with a balanced squad, have had contributions from pacers and spinners. Sharne Warne has been a standout with his bowling.
| Player | Role | Wickets Taken | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharne Warne | Leg Spinner | 28 | 4/30 |
| Ishwor Pandit | Fast Bowler | 18 | 3/28 |
| Subash Khakurel | Right-arm Spin | 15 | 2/24 |
| Shahid Afridi | All-Rounder | 11 | 2/22 |
| Anil Chhetri | Medium Pacer | 10 | 1/18 |
Biratnagar’s attack is largely led by Warne’s leg-spin, which has consistently been difficult for batters to handle.
Conclusion
The NPL has brought out some exciting performances from bowlers, and as we’ve seen, the Top 10 wicket-takers and Top 5 bowlers of each team are a testament to the diversity and skill of the bowlers in the tournament. Whether it’s the controlled aggression of Sompal Kami or the spin mastery of Sandeep Lamichhane, the bowlers in the NPL are crucial to the success of their teams. With more seasons to come, we can expect even more records to be broken and more talented bowlers to emerge in this exciting league.