Sandeep Lamichhane is a renowned Nepali cricketer, a prominent figure in Nepal’s national team, and the first Nepali player to grace the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Wiki/Biography

Born on August 2, 2000, in Syangja, Nepal, Sandeep Lamichhane (age 24 as of 2024) spent his formative years in Chitwan after relocating from his birthplace. His cricketing journey commenced at the Chitwan Cricket Academy, under the expert guidance of former Nepal captain Raju Khadka and Pubudu Dassanayake. This training was instrumental in his selection for the national under-19 training camp.

Physical Appearance

Sandeep is approximately 5’6″ tall and weighs around 55 kg. His physique is characterized by:

• Chest: 36 inches
• Waist: 28 inches
• Biceps: 10 inches
• Eye Color: Brown
• Hair Color: Black

Family

Sandeep’s father, Chander Narayan Lamichhane, worked with Indian Railways. While his mother’s name remains undisclosed, he has an older brother, Mohan Lamichhane, and a sister, Indu Lamichhane Neupane.

Career

International Career

Lamichhane’s List A debut arrived on April 16, 2016, during the 2015-17 ICC World Cricket League Championship against Namibia. His impressive performance continued at the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup where he achieved a hat-trick against Ireland and secured the second-highest wicket count. His talent caught the eye of former Australian captain Michael Clarke, leading to an invitation to play for the Sydney-based Western Suburbs District Cricket Club.

His 2018 achievements include being named Player of the Tournament in the ICC World Cricket League Division Two, making his T20 debut with the ICC Rest of the World XI in the Hurricane Relief T20 Challenge, and his ODI debut against the Netherlands. He also led the wicket-taking charts in the 2018-19 ICC World Twenty20 Asia Qualifier.

Domestic Career

In 2018, Sandeep was drafted into the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the IPL, making history as the first Nepali player in the league. This event was even commented on by the then Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. His domestic career also involved playing for the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots (CPL), Melbourne Stars (BBL), Sylhet Sixers (BPL), and Lahore Qalandars (PSL), showcasing his widespread appeal and talent.

Records/Achievements

His accomplishments include:

• One of the five bowlers to take a hat-trick in the ICC Under-19 World Cup.
• The first Nepali player in the IPL, BBL, and other major leagues.

Controversy

In September 2022, Sandeep faced serious allegations of sexual harassment from a 17-year-old girl. Following an Interpol diffusion notice, he addressed the accusations on Facebook, claiming mental distress and vowing to return to Nepal to face the charges. He was arrested and later released on bail. In December 2023, he was convicted of rape and in January 2024, he received an eight-year prison sentence and substantial fines and compensation to the victim.

Awards

His awards include:

• NNIPA Best Youth Player of the Year (2017)
• NCCS-CPAN Cricketer of the Year (2018)

Favourites

Sandeep cites Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne as his favorite cricketers.

Facts

Interesting facts about Sandeep include:

• His family briefly lived in Haryana, India, before returning to Nepal when he was 11.
• He played Australian Grade Cricket in Sydney.
• He’s a brand ambassador for Invento Engineering & Consultant Private Limited.
• The ICC recognized him among the top 10 players in the 2018 Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
• His hobbies include traveling, listening to music, singing, and playing the guitar.

Sandeep Lamichhane’s Career Statistics

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