Chitwan Rhinos
Official logo | |
| League | Nepal Premier League |
|---|---|
| Personnel | |
| Captain | Kushal Malla |
| Owner | Chitwan Medical College |
| Team information | |
| City | Bharatpur, Nepal |
| Founded | 2024 |
| Official website | chitwanrhinos.com |
| 2025 NPL Season | |
Chitwan Rhinos is a professional Twenty20 cricket franchise representing Chitwan District, Nepal in the Nepal Premier League (NPL). Established in 2024, the team is based in Bharatpur and is owned by Chitwan Medical College. The team’s colors are blue and orange, and their logo features a stylized rhinoceros, symbolizing the iconic Chitwan National Park.
Franchise overview
Chitwan Rhinos was one of Eight franchises awarded during the NPL’s expansion in 2024. Chitwan Medical College purchased the franchise rights during the league's official auction, reportedly for NPR 1.76 crores.[1]
Key personnel
- Coach: Umesh Patwal (season-1), former coach of the Nepal national cricket team and IPL batting coach.[2]
- Captain and marquee player: Kushal Malla, a left-handed batsman from the Nepal national cricket team.[3]
International signings
- Ravi Bopara (England)
- Luc Benkenstein (England)
- Marchant de Lange (South Africa)
- Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (Namibia)
- Hassan Eisakhil (Afghanistan)[4]
Squad
Retained players for the 2025 season include:
- Kushal Malla (Captain/Marquee)
- Rijan Dhakal
- Kamal Singh Airee
- Deepak Bohora
- Amar Singh Rautela
- Gautam KC[5]
Performance
Chitwan Rhinos had a competitive debut season in 2024, finishing third in the league stage with four wins from seven matches. Notable victories included a 33-run win over Sudurpaschim Royals and a 32-run win against Janakpur Bolts.[6]
Branding
The team unveiled a new logo ahead of the 2025 season, emphasizing a modern and aggressive look that aligns with the team’s identity.[7][8][9]
References
- ^ "Chitwan Rhinos announces local icon players". Republica. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ "Chitwan Rhinos Team Details, Retention List & FAQs". Cave Study. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ "Chitwan Rhinos – Squad and Fixtures". Team 11 Nepal. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ "Chitwan Rhinos Cricket Team - News, Stats, Players". Cricnepal. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ "Chitwan Rhinos Reveal Retained Players for Nepal Premier League Season 2". Cricnepal. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ "Chitwan Rhinos - Team Profile". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ "Chitwan Rhinos unveil updated logo ahead of NPL Season 2". Makalu Khabar. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ "चितवन राइनोजले सार्वजनिक गर्यो नयाँ लोगो". Sauraha Online (in Nepali). Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ "Chitwan Rhinos' new logo for NPL Season 2". Bajarkochirfar. Retrieved 2025-08-07.