Editorial photo #11820451 Sports

Shikhar Dhawan Arrives Nepal To Play In NPL (Nepal Premier League)

Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan waves at the media as he walks out of the VIP terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 29, 2024, to play the inaugural match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) for the Karnali Yaks. Earlier in August this year, the Indian cricketer announces his retirement from domestic and international cricket and joins the Karnali Yaks after the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) releases him ahead of the 2025 mega-auction. In IPL 2024, Shikhar Dhawan represents the Punjab-based franchise in 5 matches and scores 152 runs at a strike rate of 125.62. His time with the Kings in IPL 2024 is cut short after he suffers an injury that forces him out of the field for the rest of the season. The 38-year-old announces his retirement by sharing an emotional message on Instagram. In his career, Dhawan represents India across all formats, with ODI being his forte. In 167 appearances, he scores 6,793 runs at an average of 44.1, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties. In Test cricket, he scores 2,315 runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.6, with seven centuries and five half-centuries. In the T20I format, Dhawan makes 68 appearances and scores 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, including 11 fifties. In domestic cricket, Dhawan plays 122 First-Class matches and scores 8,499 runs at an average of 44.26, including 25 centuries and 29 fifties. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)