Lumbini Lions have appointed Indian coach Robin Singh as the team’s mentor for the upcoming second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), scheduled from Nov 17 to Dec 13. The 62-year-old brings over two decades of coaching experience to the Nepali franchise. Singh has previously coached Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). He has also served as the head coach and director of cricket for the UAE national team.
After retiring as a player, Singh began his coaching career with India’s U19 team. In 2004, he coached Hong Kong, helping them qualify for the Asia Cup. He later took charge of India A in 2006 and worked as the fielding coach for the Indian national team in 2007 and 2008.
In the inaugural IPL season of 2008, Singh coached Deccan Chargers and later joined Mumbai Indians as head coach in 2010, staying with the franchise for three seasons. Since Mumbai’s 2013 IPL title win, he has remained part of their coaching structure. He also managed Barbados Tridents from 2012 onwards.
In 2020, Singh became the UAE national team’s head coach and director of cricket, leading the side to the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022. More recently, he served as general manager and later head coach of MI Emirates in the International League T20 (ILT20), guiding the team to a championship title.
As a player, Singh was a dependable all-rounder for India, representing the national team in one Test and 136 One Day Internationals (ODIs), scoring over 2,000 runs and taking 69 wickets.
The Lumbini Lions believe Singh’s arrival will greatly strengthen the team for the NPL’s second season. Team president Ishwar GC said, “Bringing a world-class cricketer and coach like Robin Singh to Lumbini is not only an honor for us but also an opportunity to elevate Nepali cricket as a whole. His vast experience and strategies will inspire our players and help us achieve new heights.”
Expressing his excitement, Singh said, “I’m delighted to join Lumbini Lions for the Nepal Premier League. Cricket in Nepal is growing rapidly, and I’m eager to share my experience with young talents and build a winning culture. The Lions have great potential, and together we aim to make this season truly memorable for our fans and Nepali cricket.”
Lumbini Lions’ marquee player is Nepali national team captain Rohit Kumar Paudel. The franchise has already signed Australian all-rounder D’Arcy Short and Italian bowler Thomas Draca, with more foreign players to be announced soon.
