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Former Delhi Capitals spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been handed the Nepal ODI captaincy, taking over from Rohit Paudel ahead of the upcoming ACC Men’s Premier Cup. The 26-year-old leg-spinner brings considerable international experience to the role, having claimed 142 wickets in 78 matches, and will lead Nepal in the tournament scheduled to be held in Malaysia from August 30 to September 12.
The Cricket Association of Nepal confirmed the leadership change on Monday, announcing a 14-member squad for the competition. CAN secretary Paras Khadka said Lamichhane will begin his tenure with the Premier Cup, with the squad featuring a mix of established players and emerging talent. CAN also confirmed the appointment on X, writing, “Sandeep Lamichhane steps in as Nepal’s new ODI Captain, leading the side at the ACC Men’s Premier Cup.”
Who Is Sandeep Lamichhane? Everything About His Childhood And Early Life
Sandeep Lamichhane was born on August 2, 2000, in Aruchaur, Syangja, Nepal, and grew up as the youngest of five children in a middle-class family. His father, Chander Narayan Lamichhane, worked with the Indian Railways for 38 years, while his mother, Kopila Devi, was a homemaker. Because of his father’s job, the family moved to Haryana soon after Sandeep was born, where his fascination with cricket began. He spent much of his childhood playing wherever he could and watching international matches, developing a particular admiration for Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne. He initially tried to imitate Anil Kumble’s bowling action before eventually modelling his leg-spin on Warne.
Around the age of nine or 10, Lamichhane returned to Nepal and settled in Chitwan with his sister. With cricket facilities limited and a professional sporting career viewed as an uncertain path, he had to convince his family to give him a few years to pursue his dream. He moved closer to the training grounds, stayed with his married sister and her family, and built a reputation for his determination by arriving at practice before most other players. At 13, he joined the Chitwan Cricket Academy, where former Nepal captain Raju Khadka helped develop his natural talent and turn it into a more refined bowling skill.
His major breakthrough came unexpectedly at 14 when Nepal coach Pubudu Dassanayake and captain Paras Khadka happened to watch him bowl during a stop in Chitwan. Impressed by the teenager’s ability to generate sharp turn and trouble batters, Dassanayake selected him for Nepal’s Under-19 training camp. That opportunity proved to be the turning point in Lamichhane’s career, setting him up for a memorable 2016 U-19 Cricket World Cup and eventually helping him become Nepal’s first IPL player and one of the country’s biggest cricketing stars.
Sandeep Lamichhane’s Achievements And Major Career Milestones
Sandeep Lamichhane has become one of the most important figures in Nepalese cricket, with his career marked by remarkable wicket-taking records and historic milestones. He became the fastest bowler to 100 ODI wickets, reaching the mark in just 42 matches, before later becoming the fastest to 150 ODI wickets in 73 games. He also reached 100 T20I wickets in 54 matches, while establishing himself as Nepal’s leading wicket-taker in white-ball cricket. His rise also took him into national leadership, with CAN naming him Nepal’s senior captain in December 2021 at just 21.
Lamichhane also broke new ground for Nepalese cricket on the global franchise circuit. He became the first Nepalese cricketer to enter the IPL when he was picked by Delhi Daredevils in 2018 and went on to feature in major leagues including the Big Bash League with Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes, the Caribbean Premier League, Pakistan Super League and Bangladesh Premier League. His performances, particularly with the ball, helped raise the profile of Nepalese cricketers and opened the door for more players from Associate nations to attract international opportunities.
His international rise began with a standout 2016 U-19 World Cup, where he took 14 wickets and grabbed headlines with a memorable hat-trick against Ireland. In 2018, he made his T20I debut for the ICC World XI against the West Indies at Lord’s, becoming the first player to make an international debut for a combined World XI side. Later that year, he was part of Nepal’s historic team for their first official ODI against the Netherlands, another landmark moment in his journey from a young Chitwan spinner to one of Nepal’s most recognisable cricket stars.
Sandeep Lamichhane Legal Case: What Happened And Why Was He Acquitted?
Sandeep Lamichhane’s cricket career was disrupted by a major legal controversy in September 2022, when a young woman filed a complaint accusing him of rape following an alleged incident at a hotel in Kathmandu. Lamichhane was subsequently suspended by the Cricket Association of Nepal and arrested after returning from the Caribbean Premier League. He remained in custody before being released on bail in January 2023, but his return to the national team soon drew strong criticism, including silent protests from some opposing players.
The case took another turn when the Kathmandu District Court convicted Lamichhane and sentenced him to eight years in prison in late 2023/early 2024, along with financial penalties and compensation. Lamichhane appealed the decision, and in May 2024, the Patan High Court overturned the conviction and acquitted him, citing insufficient evidence. Following the ruling, CAN lifted his suspension, allowing him to resume his professional cricket career.
Sandeep Lamichhane Net Worth, Salary, Earnings And Sources Of Income
Sandeep Lamichhane’s net worth is estimated at around $5 million (approximately ₹40-50 crore), making him one of Nepal’s highest-earning cricketers. A major portion of his wealth has come from playing in overseas T20 leagues, including the IPL, BBL and CPL. During his three seasons with Delhi Capitals, he reportedly earned around ₹60 lakh in total, while his contracts in other franchise competitions added significantly to his overall earnings.
His income also includes his Nepal national team contract, match fees, performance bonuses and endorsement deals with local brands. As one of Nepal’s biggest cricketing names, Lamichhane has attracted commercial partnerships and sponsorship opportunities. He is also reported to own a multi-storey home in Chitwan along with a collection of personal vehicles.