Kathmandu, Oct. 29 -- Nepal Premier League would have raised its standards further in the third season had the franchises been able to field all the Pakistani stars they inked a deal with. But of the seven Pakistani players confirmed by four franchises for the third season, only one-Hussain Talat, signed by Karnali Yaks-was able to take part.

Franchise owners, Nepali cricket stakeholders and global experts of the gentleman's game say that the inability to have those Pakistani stars feature in the NPL was a big blow for the NPL.

"This is definitely a disappointment for us," Niroj Khatiwada, chief executive officer of Janakpur Bolts, told the Post. "In a broader context, it is a big blow for overall Nepali cricket."

The Bolts had announc...