Charith Asalanka in Biratnagar Kings
Kathmandu — Biratnagar Kings have signed renowned Sri Lankan left-handed batting all-rounder Charith Asalanka for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Asalanka is regarded as one of the influential players in Sri Lankan cricket. He has been a regular member of Sri Lanka’s international team since 2021.
Asalanka made his ODI debut against England and his T20I debut against India in 2021. He made an impressive start to his T20I career, scoring 44 runs off 26 balls on debut.
At the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, Asalanka delivered an outstanding performance for Sri Lanka. He was Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in the tournament, scoring 231 runs in six matches. He averaged 46.20 and maintained a strike rate of 147.13 during the competition.
After scoring his maiden ODI century against Australia in 2022, Asalanka established himself as a reliable and aggressive middle-order batter for Sri Lanka. He is also known as a useful all-rounder capable of contributing with the ball.
In T20 internationals, Asalanka has so far scored 1,466 runs in 77 matches and taken seven wickets. Across all T20 cricket, he has accumulated 3,715 runs and 37 wickets in 185 matches.
Asalanka took over as captain of Sri Lanka’s T20I team in July 2024. Later that month, he was also appointed captain of the ODI side. Leading Sri Lanka in limited-overs cricket from 2024 to 2025, Asalanka demonstrated both his international experience and leadership abilities.
Biratnagar Kings have expressed confidence that Asalanka’s arrival will further strengthen the team for the third edition of the NPL.
“We are excited to welcome an experienced player like Charith Asalanka to Biratnagar Kings. His international experience, aggressive batting and leadership qualities will bring additional energy to the team in the third season of the NPL,” Biratnagar Kings said.
The franchise stated that with Asalanka’s signing, it aims to make its squad even more competitive for NPL Season 3.
Expressing his happiness at joining Biratnagar Kings, Asalanka said he was excited to play in Nepal.
“I am very excited to represent Biratnagar Kings in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League. I have heard a lot about the passion, love and support for cricket in Nepal. Now, I am eager to come to Nepal myself and share that experience with the passionate Nepali cricket fans,” Asalanka said.
He also said that his goal would be to use his experience and abilities for Biratnagar Kings and create memorable moments for the supporters.
“My goal will be to play excellent cricket with Biratnagar Kings, use my experience and abilities for the team, and create memorable moments for the fans. Playing in the NPL in a new challenge and environment will be a special experience for me. I feel both proud and excited to become part of the Biratnagar Kings family,” he said.
Asalanka has also featured in major franchise competitions, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), and the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20).
He is currently captaining Sri Lanka in the T20I series against England.
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