Kirtipur, Oct. 28 -- rounder Hussain Talat made a surprise start for Karnali Yaks during their first match of Nepal Premier League's third season against Janakpur Bolts on Tuesday.

Pakistani cricketers' chance of playing in the NPL was almost over due to Pakistan Cricket Board's rule related to the no objection certificate (NOC). Every foreign player participating in a franchise league is required to get an NOC from their respective cricket board. However, the Pakistani board required their players to pay an additional USD 25,000 each to be granted permission to play abroad. As a result, six of the seven Pakistani players did not play for their franchises on Tuesday.

Three franchises had signed seven Pakistani cricketers for NPL Season ...