Nepali spin sensation Sandeep Lamichhane has hit another landmark in his high flying career. The 17-year-old teenager is amongst hundreds of cricketers who will go under the hammer on January 27 and 28 for the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Despite being one of the only two associate players to go into the auction, Sandeep is fully focused on his national duty. Nepal is playing ICC World Cricket League Division 2 from February 6 to 16 in Namibia. Along with the hosts, Nepal will be facing Oman, Canada, UAE and Kenya in order to open up pathway for the ICC World Cup 2019.
Sandeep, who had missed the deadline for the IPL auction had to call for help in order to get into the mix for auction. “I missed the set deadline for the auction. But all thanks to my agent and CAN ex-CEO Bhawana Ghimire, the problem was sorted out,” he explained.
Sandeep however is not focused on the auction and wants to shift all of it into the ongoing training for Division 2. “I am happy that I am included in the list of world beaters but nothing is in my hand now. I am fully focused on my national team duty. The tournament holds a lot of importance for all of Nepali cricket. Our future rests in the outcome of this tournament so all of us are trying to bring out the best,” Sandeep added.
Nepal needs to finish top 2 position in Division 2 to qualify for the World Cup Qualifiers that is scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe from March 4 to 25. The schedule for the Qualifiers is already out and Nepal needs to book a place in final of Division 2 if they want to play against big sides of World Cricket. The tournament features former world cup winning team West Indies as well.