Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan retired from all formats of international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year.
According to BCCI policy, an Indian player can take part in overseas T20 leagues if they forego their participation in the IPL. For this reason, Dhawan was able to be picked up to play in the Nepal Premier League (NPL T20) 2024.
Bet here on your favourite IPL 2025 teams and other T20 tournaments!
He did accept the opportunity to take part at the "Roof of the World" in Nepal as the captain of the Karnali Yaks, and scored 136 runs in 4 matches, including an unbeaten 72.
However, to the surprise and dissapointment of many Nepali fans, Dhawan announced that he will be returning back to India after playing only four matches.
Shikhar Dhawan won't be available for the remaining matches of Karnali Yaks according to the co-owner of the Yaks. pic.twitter.com/5GNnf5hYxq
— Nepal's Rhino Army 🦏 🇳🇵 (@NepalsRhinoArmy) December 7, 2024
MORE: Is CSK a 'gold standard' for T20 teams worldwide?
Why did Shikhar Dhawan leave Nepal T20 Premier League early?
Originally signed as one of the marquee foreign players in NPL T20, Dhawan left early and will not be returning for the remaining matches of the tournament, according to Yaks co-owner Grihendra Ghimire.
He was contracted to play four matches and having played the stipulated games, the Indian decided to return back home, where he was already set to play in another T20 league.
"Thank you, Nepal, for showering me with so much love. I really loved your culture, hospitality and the food as well. Of course, who can't miss the Mount Everest," the Karnali Yaks player stated, before leaving for India.
BET NOW: Bet here on the IND vs AUS Test series and win cash bonuses
Where is Shikhar Dhawan playing now after leaving Nepal's NPL T20 league?
After leaving Nepal, Dhawan travelled to the city of Surat in Gujarat, where he is currently playing in the Big Cricket League 2024 (BCL) as captain of the Northern Challengers.
The BCL T20 competition features some of the yester-year legends including Imran Tahir, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Herschelle Gibbs.
Click here to bet on T20 leagues worldwide!
What is the Big Cricket League?
The BCL is a T20 league, which provides budding cricketers an opportunity to rub shoulders and play alongside superstar cricketers, who have long retired from the game.
MORE: How cricket world reacted to R Ashwin's shocking retirement? Reactions, opinions and tributes
