Kathmandu, November 15

Pokhara Rhinos named Shakti Gauchan as the skipper of the team for the TVS Everest Premier League slated for December 19-30 at the Tribhuvan University Stadium.

Shankar Group Managing Director and team owner Shahil Agrawal informed that Gauchan, who is also the marquee player of Pokhara Rhinos, will lead the team in the premium Twenty20 cricket tournament organised by EPL Private Limited.

The club also unveiled the logo and jersey for the EPL, which will be played under round robin format among six city-based teams — also including Kathmandu Kings XI, Lalitpur Patriots, Biratnagar Warriors, Bhairahawa Gladiators and Chitwan Tigers.

The participating teams had already announced their marquee players and also picked up 10 cricketers through auction. They are yet to announce three foreign players and a local player to be picked up through talent hunt programme in their respective regions.

Agrawal informed that his team will be conducting talent hunt programme on November 18 in Pokhara. “We will give opportunity to a young player who can perform for the team,” Agrawal added.

Agrawal said that he was honoured to represent Pokhara Rhinos and that the EPL would be the best platform to produce young players. “The success of any national team depends upon how strong its grass root level is. But Nepal has been lacking on that.”  He also praised the EPL as a great initiation “that will proved our national cricketers with platform.”

Meanwhile, Gauchan thanked the club owner for selecting him as the skipper and added that his side was ready for the competition. “Thanks to the owner for believing in me. As most of the players of the teams are in the national team camp, the players selected through auction have been assigned with their responsibilities and they are working accordingly,” said Gauchan.

Gauchan also informed that a total of seven cricketers will be picked up from the talent hunt. “The selected players will join us in the training before we pick the best one for the tournament. We will name the local player only two days before the event kicks off,” he added.