Teenage leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane could boost Nepal’s scandal-tainted domestic cricket after getting picked up during the IPL auction.
Lamichhane, 17, made history becoming the first cricketer from Nepal to land an IPL contract when he was ‘bought’ by Delhi Daredevils for $31,000 (Dh113,000).
“Sandeep has created history for Nepal and has sent out a positive message about Nepali cricket,” Chumbi Lama of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) said.
“He has also opened doors for other Nepali players to make a mark internationally.”
Lamichhane’s entry into the league comes on the heels of weekend meetings between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and CAN about ending Nepal’s two-year suspension from the global governing body.
Joe Root heads the Unwanted XI of the 2018 IPL player auction
To the people of Nepal, you should be very proud of @IamSandeep25 he is little champion who wants to do his country proud. Cheer him on and enjoy the journey with him. God bless 🙏👍🏏
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) January 28, 2018
“We have had series of meetings with ICC and are hopeful for a reinstatement,” said Lama.
The ICC banned CAN in April 2016 over political interference in the running of the domestic governing body, but continued to allow Nepal’s national teams to participate in top events.
The ICC has been working with CAN to draft a new constitution, but negotiations hit a roadblock after the Nepal side refused to adopt the proposed text.
Lamichhane is currently training in Dubai with Nepal’s national team ahead of the Division Two of the World cricket League in Namibia next month.
Nepal need to finish in the top two to take part in the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe in March. Nepal have never qualified for the World Cup.
“I am worried that the dispute over the Cricket Association of Nepal has been affecting the development of cricket in Nepal and players’ career enhancement,” said Nepal’s former national skipper and one-time mentor to Lamichhane, Raju Khadka.
“The IPL opportunity for Sandeep could help cricket in Nepal overall in addition to his career. Now various countries and teams will notice other players of the country,” he added.
