Back in the early days of the Dhangadhi Premier League, a simple talent hunt initiative promised to unearth the next generation of Nepali cricketers. At the time, it felt like just another grassroots exercise. When 12 young cricketers were shortlisted through the Dhangadhi talent hunt, the goal was clear – bridge the gap between raw, untapped talent in Sudurpashchim and Nepal’s growing franchise ecosystem.
The players selected were:
1. Prakash Jaishi
2. Narayan Joshi
3. Subodh Air
4. Bijay Rana
5. Lokesh Bam
6. Bikram Thagunna
7. Kiran Kumar Aagri
8. Basant Singh Karki
9. Sher Malla
10. Purna Singh Thakuri
11. Prakash Singh
12. Sagar Bhandari
The likes of Sher Malla, Lokesh Bam and Bhim Sharki have since gone onto represent Nepal Men’s National team in International Cricket. Talent hunts continue to identify players like Abhishek Pal, cricketers grinding through domestic circuits, waiting for their breakthrough moment. The original talent hunt list may not have immediately produced international stars. But it did something more important – it proved that talent exists beyond Kathmandu.
The Dhangadhi Premier League (2017–2019) acted as a scouting ecosystem Backed by Dhangadhi Cricket Academy, which is now widely seen as a feeder system.