Come Friday, it will be a dream come true for Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane as he gets ready to make his maiden appearance in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
Playing in Australia’s T20 franchise league has been an ambition of Lamichhane’s ever since he played grade cricket in Sydney two years ago after being discovered by former Aussie skipper Michael Clarke.
That dream was realised for the teenage leg-spinner this year when he was drafted in as an overseas player by the Melbourne Stars.
The wrist-spinner’s stock has been on the rise of late in the world of T20 cricket after he became the first Nepalese player to earn a contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Since impressing in his limited outings with the Delhi in the IPL, Lamichhane has played in the Global T20 Canada, Caribbean Premier League and the Afghanistan Premier League.
He is also set to become the first player from Nepal to play in the Pakistan Super League next year after he was picked up by Lahore Qalandars in the player-draft.
Lamichhane played club cricket in Australia two years ago.
Set to now make his BBL bow, Lamichhane is hoping inspire another generation of Nepalese cricketers.
“It always means we’re carrying the whole nation on our shoulders,” the teenager told cricket.com.au.
“For the youngsters (at home), it’ll be a good lesson for them to not give up and that their time will come.
“Now everyone at home is realising that you can get something good out of sport. I want to stay on this train so that everyone can enjoy sport and enjoy their life.”
Lamichhane’s Melbourne Stars will open their BBL campaign against with an away clash against Sydney Thunder on Friday.