Sandeep Lamichhane

Sandeep Lamichhane was born on August 2, 2000, in Aruchaur, Syangja district, Nepal. Endowed with natural wrist spin, he was famously discovered as a 14-year-old at the Chitwan Cricket Academy by former national head coach Pubudu Dassanayake and captain Paras Khadka. Armed with a fluid run-up, sharp turn, and a disguised googly, Lamichhane quickly became recognized as the brightest prodigy in the history of Nepali cricket.

His international ascent was explosive. At the 2016 ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, he grabbed a sensational hat-trick against Ireland, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker (14 wickets) and announcing himself to global scouts. After impressive stints in the Hong Kong T20 Blitz - where he bowled alongside Australian legend Michael Clarke - history was made in January 2018 when Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) picked him up in the IPL auction, making him the first Nepali player to secure an IPL contract.

He soon became a globe-trotting T20 specialist, turning out for franchises across the globe, including the Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes in Australia's BBL, Sylhet Sixers and Rajshahi Warriors in Bangladesh's BPL, Lahore Qalandars in Pakistan's PSL, Oval Invincibles in The Hundred, and Barbados Tridents, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, and Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League.

Lamichhane redefined what was possible for Associate cricket records. He became the fastest bowler in history to pick 100 ODI wickets, achieving the milestone in just 42 matches and surpassing legends of the game. He followed that up by becoming the fastest to reach 150 ODI wickets (73 innings) and the second-fastest bowler to claim 100 T20I wickets, crossing the mark in 54 matches.

His career faced severe turbulence off the field following a legal battle that kept him away from the game. In May 2024, the Patan High Court acquitted him of all criminal charges, clearing the path for his international return. He flew directly to the West Indies to join Nepal for the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where he bowled spellbinding overs against South Africa and Bangladesh, demonstrating that his craft remained world-class.

Back home, Lamichhane stood as the marquee player and captain for Biratnagar Kings in the Nepal Premier League (NPL). During the 2025 NPL season, he proved his mastery once again by finishing as the tournament's joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets. His ability to outfox batters with subtle changes of pace and flight guided his franchise deep into the competition and kept home crowds thrilled.

In August 2026, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) reappointed him as Nepal's ODI captain ahead of major regional tournaments, including the ACC Men's Premier Cup and was an obvious choice in the Asian Games 2026 squad as well.