Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: An increasing number of Nepali footballers are joining the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), as Shahid Smarak ‘A’ Division National League – Nepal’s top men’s football league – becomes uncertain.
As many as eight Nepali footballers, including Captain Kiran Chemjong, have signed for different Bangladeshi clubs.
Kiran and winger Ayush Ghalan have signed for Bangladesh Police FC, while midfielder Arik Bista, forward Anjan Bista, midfielder Yogesh Gurung and defender Sanish Shrestha will play for Brothers Union. Veteran defender Ananta Tamang has signed with Fortis FC, while defender Abhishek Limbu will play for Rahmatganj MFS.
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) allows each of the league’s 11 clubs to register five foreign players, four of whom can be named in the starting eleven. However, following a recent rule change, players from South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) countries are eligible under the domestic quota. This has made Nepali players increasingly attractive signings in the Bangladeshi league.
The new season of the Bangladesh Premier League kicks off on September 19 and runs through April 24.
Last season, Mohammedan SC won the league, with Dhaka Abahani finishing runners-up and Bashundhara Kings taking third place. However, since Mohammedan lacked the AFC club license, Dhaka Abahani and Bashundhara Kings have qualified for the AFC Challenge League.
There is no Nepali team in the new season of the AFC Challenge League due to a lack of a national league. The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has not held the men’s football league since promoted side Church Boys United was crowned champions 26 months ago.
