English cricketer Stephan Eskinazi joined Kathmandu Gurkhas for the Nepal Premier League T20 cricket tournament, which is set to begin on November 30 in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu Gurkhas, owned by Kathmandu Sports Development Venture, signed the wicketkeeper-batter who has made his mark in English cricket.

Born in South Africa and raised in Australia, the 30-year-old Eskinazi plays for Middlesex in English County Cricket.

With an impressive record of over 4,300 runs, including nine centuries in 88 first-class matches, he has proven his consistency and skill at the county level.

Eskinazi has established himself as a dynamic player in franchise leagues.

In The Hundred, a 100-ball cricket tournament, he maintained a strike rate of over 151, and in the Vitality Blast, he showcased his power-hitting with a strike rate above 140.

Playing for Welsh Fire in The Hundred, Eskinazi scored 266 runs in 10 matches, while in the Vitality Blast, he amassed over 2,500 runs, including a century and 18 fifties across 87 games.

“Stephan Eskinazi is a formidable player, and we eagerly anticipate his arrival,” said Kathmandu Gurkhas Chief Executive Officer Sandesh Katwal.

“His experience and aggressive batting style will be highly valuable to the team in the NPL. With Nepal’s cool climate favouring English players, we expect him to thrive here.”

Eskinazi has also played for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, where he scored 258 runs in 13 matches. In addition, he brings experience from the Bangladesh Premier League and Abu Dhabi T10 League.

“I am thrilled to play in the Nepal Premier League at TU Cricket Ground with Kathmandu Gurkhas,” Eskinazi said. “Representing such a renowned city and team is an honour, and I can’t wait to start.”

Eskinazi is the third overseas player to sign with Kathmandu. He will join Netherlands opener Michael Levitt and Namibian captain Merwe Gerhard Erasmus.

Karan KC is the marquee player of Kathmandu, who has bought Shahab Alam, Bhim Sharki, Rashid Khan, Shankar Rana, Krishna Karki, Dipesh Kandel, Sumit Maharjan, Raju Rijal, Vivek KC, and Pratik Shrestha at the auction last month.