Kathmandu, Nov. 27 -- Twelve of the 28 group-stage matches of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) have concluded, but several franchises' high-profile international signings have yet to appear at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur.

On Thursday, Janakpur Bolts will face Pokhara Avengers. Janakpur, having played two matches already, has not yet fielded South African fast bowler Wayne Parnell or spinner Imran Tahir. Similarly, Pokhara's marquee signing, England World Cup winner Jason Roy, has yet to make his NPL debut. Both teams lost their first two matches, putting them in precarious positions ahead of Thursday's clash.

Parnell arrived in Kathmandu just before Janakpur's previous game and is expected to play ag...