Karnali Yaks is a professional T20 cricket franchise team representing the Karnali Province of Nepal in the Nepal T20 League (NepalT20). Known for their bold branding, regional pride, and mountain spirit, Karnali Yaks symbolize resilience, endurance, and underdog determination — qualities closely tied to the highland regions of western Nepal.

Overview

• Full Team Name: Karnali Yaks

• Founded: 2022

• League: Nepal T20 League (NepalT20)

• Region Represented: Karnali Province (including Surkhet, Jumla, and Kalikot)

• Home Ground: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur (central venue for NepalT20)

• Team Colors: Maroon and Gold

• Franchise Owner: Kantipur Media Group

• Head Coach: Roy Dias (former Sri Lankan international and Nepal national coach)

• Captain (2022–23): Gulshan Jha

Nepal T20 League Participation

Karnali Yaks made their debut in the inaugural Nepal T20 League (2022–23) with a mission to:

• Promote cricket in remote highland regions

• Build a competitive team with youthful energy

• Represent the Karnali people’s courage and cultural heritage

 2022–23 Season Performance

• Mixed results in group stages, finishing in the lower half of the table

• Showed glimpses of brilliance with standout performances from young Nepali players

• Earned admiration for their teamwork and never-give-up attitude

Key Players

Gulshan Jha (Captain)

• Young fast-bowling all-rounder from southern Nepal

• Known for his swing bowling and big hitting in the lower order

• Led the team with youthful aggression and composure

 Aftab Alam (Afghanistan)

• International pace bowler with T20 league experience

• Brought firepower and leadership to the bowling unit

 Lokesh Bam

• Local emerging batter from Karnali region

• Showed potential in early matches with strong starts

Coaching and Management

• Head Coach: Roy Dias – Sri Lankan batting legend and former Nepal head coach

• Focus on technical improvement, team discipline, and local player development

• Backed by Kantipur Media Group, one of Nepal’s largest media houses, ensuring strong branding and marketing

Team Identity and Branding

Symbolism of the “Yaks”

• Yaks are resilient, high-altitude animals, native to Karnali’s Himalayan terrain

• The mascot reflects toughness, calm strength, and adaptability

• The team embraces the underdog role, aiming to upset stronger franchises

Fan Engagement

• Digital campaigns launched across western Nepal, including Surkhet and Jumla

• Supported by Karnali-based youth and cricket followers seeking regional representation

• Strong visibility through Kantipur TV and online platforms

Challenges and Aspirations

Challenges

• Limited local infrastructure and player pool in Karnali

• Competing against better-resourced franchises

• Need for consistent match-winners and finishing power

Future Goals

• Establish Karnali-based cricket academies

• Host grassroots tournaments in Surkhet and Jumla

• Build a sustainable pipeline for homegrown talent in high-altitude regions

Trivia

• Karnali Yaks is the only professional sports team representing Karnali Province in any national league.

• The franchise draws inspiration from both mountain strength and spiritual calm, blending cultural identity with modern sport.

• Roy Dias, a legendary batsman for Sri Lanka in the 1980s, returned to Nepal as a franchise coach after coaching the national side