Sandeep Lamichanne becomes 1st Nepali cricketer to feature in Big Bash League

The 18-year-old leggie has been roped in by Melbourne Stars in the 2018-19 edition of Australia’s premier domestic Twenty20 league

Nepal’s spin sensation Sandeep Lamichhane is all set to showcase his wizardry with the bowl on the Australian soil. Taking another stride forward in his brewing career, Lamichhane became the first-ever Nepali cricketer to bag a Big Bash League (BBL) deal.

The 18-year-old leggie has been roped in by Melbourne Stars in the 2018-19 edition of Australia’s premier domestic Twenty20 league. Lamichhane took to his official Twitter handle to express his happiness and promised ‘to give his best’.

Excited to be announced as the player of @StarsBBL in this edition of @BBL. Thank you everyone for your lovely wishes and blessings. Will always try to give my best. Thanks to @TalhaAisham @CricketRaman ! Lots of love to everyone. God bless all ! @MClarke23 pic.twitter.com/AotvWNbVEp

— Sandeep Lamichhane (@IamSandeep25) October 23, 2018

He will be available for the Melbourne Stars for around half of their matches as he had already signed for Bangladesh Premier League which is scheduled to take place at the same time. However, he will join back Aussie side after his BPL commitments in January.

Lamichhane first grabbed the limelight after shining in the Under-19 World Cup 2016. He eventually has become a favourite choice in T20 leagues around the world. He’s played in the Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, Afghanistan Premier League and Global T20 Canada, among others.

His consistency was noticed by Stars’ List manager Trent Woodhill.

“I first saw Sandeep bowl for Nepal in the Asian U19 Championships in Malaysia and was immediately impressed by both his skill as a wrist spinner and also his energy. Lamichhane had a successful IPL debut for Delhi and bowled well in the CPL. We have high expectations that he will light up the BBL and become a star of the tournament,” Woodhill said.

On the other hand, Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is another new entrant in the upcoming season of the BBL. He has been signed by the Brisbane Heat and will join his fellow countryman Rashid Khan in the side.