Chitwan Rhinos have signed England international Ravi Bopara for the upcoming season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

Bopara has represented England 171 times including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. A talented, wristy stroke player capable of opening the innings or batting in the middle order, the 39-year-old was a regular member of the England set-up for several years.

His 478 matches in T20s, 9486 runs, and 291 wickets reveal undeniable consistency and a cherished career for England and various T20 teams.

The right-handed batter has over 5000 runs in T20 Blast and the hundred combined. He has scored 1109 runs in the Bangladesh Premier League, 775 runs in the Pakistan Super League, and 531 runs in the Indian Premier League further cementing his legacy as a proven professional in T20 cricket in sub-continental conditions.

“The craze and passion for cricket in Nepal is now an open secret. Every cricketer would like to come and play in Nepal in front of one of the most passionate fans in the world. I am ecstatic to don the Chitwan Rhinos jersey and entertain you all,” Bopara said.

“Ravi Bopara’s track record speaks for itself. A proven seasoned campaigner. His presence will not only improve the squad’s strength and balance but his experience and leadership will help build an exemplary camaraderie in the dressing room,” Rhinos Managing Director Aayush Neupane said.

Bapora will join compatriot Luc Benkenstein, South African Marchant de Lange, Afghanistan’s Hassan Eisakhil and Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton in the Rhinos squad as foreign players.

Kushal Malla is the marquee player of Rhinos, who also features Sharad Vesawakar, Kamal Singh Airee, Rijan Dhakal in their team.