David Warner in NPL 2026: Kathmandu Gorkhas Debut & Fixtures
Updated
The biggest overseas signing in Nepal Premier League history has arrived. David Warner was due in Nepal on 1 November and was expected to be available for Kathmandu Gorkhas against Karnali Yaks in Match 10 on Monday, 2 November (12:30 PM NPT). Follow it ball by ball on NPL live scores or the match page.
Why Warner missed the start
Kathmandu announced Warner in mid-September as their third overseas signing for Season 3. He was not in Nepal for the Gorkhas’ opening match on 29 October, when Karan KC led the side.
Kathmandu badly need him
That opening match went wrong. Janakpur Bolts bowled Kathmandu out for 115 in 19.3 overs, with Rahul Yadav taking 3 for 31, and Moeen Ali’s unbeaten 58 won it for Janakpur by eight wickets. Bhim Sharki’s 33 was Kathmandu’s top score. With Saturday’s washout and the rest days, the Gorkhas went four days between their first and second games and sat bottom of the table without a point.
A powerplay opener is exactly what was missing. Warner has scored more than 6,500 IPL runs, captained Sunrisers Hyderabad to the 2016 title and was player of the tournament when Australia won the 2021 T20 World Cup. He turned 40 on 27 October, the day after NPL 2026 began.
The test: Karnali Yaks
Karnali are the NPL’s only unbeaten side. They defended just 132 for 9 against Janakpur in Match 3 and then chased 187 against Biratnagar Kings in Match 6, when captain Sompal Kami hit 62 not out and took 4 for 33. Their seamers in the powerplay against Warner is the contest of the day.
Kathmandu Gorkhas’ remaining fixtures
| Date | Match | Time (NPT) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 2 Nov | v Karnali Yaks (Match 10) | 12:30 PM |
| Thu 5 Nov | v Biratnagar Kings (Match 15) | 5:00 PM |
| Sat 7 Nov | v Lumbini Lions (Match 18) | 5:00 PM |
| Mon 9 Nov | v Chitwan Rhinos (Match 20) | 5:00 PM |
| Fri 13 Nov | v Sudurpaschim Royals (Match 24) | 12:30 PM |
| Sun 15 Nov | v Pokhara Avengers (Match 28) | 5:00 PM |
Six games are left, so Kathmandu probably need at least four wins to reach the top four. Their chances are recalculated after every match on the playoff scenarios page.
The rest of Kathmandu’s squad
Warner joins Karan KC, hat-trick bowler Shahab Alam, former Karnali batter Will Bosisto and head coach Monty Desai. The full squad is on the Kathmandu Gorkhas team page, and the season outlook is in our Kathmandu Gorkhas preview.
FAQ
Which NPL team is David Warner playing for?
Kathmandu Gorkhas, who signed him in September 2026 for Season 3 of the Nepal Premier League.
When is David Warner’s first NPL match?
He was expected to debut against Karnali Yaks in Match 10 on 2 November 2026 at 12:30 PM NPT, after arriving in Nepal on 1 November.
Why did David Warner miss Kathmandu’s first NPL match?
He had not yet arrived in Nepal when Kathmandu played Janakpur Bolts on 29 October.
How old is David Warner?
He was born on 27 October 1986, so he turned 40 during NPL 2026.
Stroke