Brief Introduction of Sandip Lamichhane
Sandip Lamichhane is a globally recognized Nepalese professional cricketer and a former captain of the Nepal national cricket team. He is a right-arm leg-spin bowler, renowned for his deceptive variations, including the googly. Lamichhane rose to international fame as the first cricketer from Nepal to play in the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL). His journey from a small town in Nepal to competing in major T20 franchise leagues across the world, such as Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has been inspirational. He is a trailblazer for Nepalese cricket, significantly elevating the sport’s profile in his home country and inspiring a new generation of players. Lamichhane holds numerous records for Nepal, including being the highest wicket-taker in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Sandip Lamichhane Overview
| Full Name | Sandip Lamichhane |
| Date of Birth | August 2, 2000 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 25 |
| Birthplace | Aruchaur, Syangja, Nepal |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Husband/Wife | Not married |
| Family | Chander Narayan Lamichhane (Father), Kopila Devi Lamichhane (Mother), Mohan Lamichhane (Brother), Indu Lamichhane Neupane (Sister) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $5 million (approximately ₹50 crores INR) |
Early Life and Education of Sandip Lamichhane
Sandip Lamichhane was born on August 2, 2000, in Aruchaur, a village in the Syangja district of Nepal. He spent part of his early childhood in Haryana, India, where his father, Chander Narayan Lamichhane, worked for the Indian Railways. It was in India, watching cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne, that his passion for the sport was ignited. At around the age of 11, he moved back to Nepal with his family and settled in the Chitwan district. He soon joined the Chitwan Cricket Academy, run by former national captain Raju Khadka, to formally begin his cricket training. His exceptional talent was discovered by then-Nepal coach Pubudu Dassanayake and captain Paras Khadka during a visit to the academy when Lamichhane was just 14. Impressed by his raw ability, they selected him for the national under-19 training camp, fast-tracking his journey into the national setup. For his education, he completed his initial schooling in Syangja and intermediate higher education in Chitwan before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work at St. Xavier’s College.
Sandip Lamichhane’s Career
Sandip Lamichhane’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric, marking a series of historic firsts for Nepalese cricket. His journey began to gain significant momentum at the 2016 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. In a match against Ireland, he took a memorable hat-trick, finishing the tournament as the second-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets, which brought him into the international spotlight.
His senior career for Nepal started with his List A debut on April 16, 2016, against Namibia. He quickly became an indispensable part of the national team. A pivotal moment came in the 2018 ICC World Cricket League Division Two, where his exceptional bowling, including a five-wicket haul against Kenya (5/20), earned him the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award. He took a total of 17 wickets in the tournament, playing a crucial role in Nepal’s qualification for the 2018 Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
The year 2018 was a landmark year for Lamichhane. He became the first Nepalese cricketer to be bought in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, signed by the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) for ₹20 lakhs. His IPL debut was a significant moment for Nepal, putting the country on the global cricket map. This breakthrough opened doors to numerous other T20 franchise leagues worldwide. He has since played for teams like the Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL), St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
For the national team, Lamichhane has consistently been a record-breaker. He made his ODI debut for Nepal in their first-ever ODI match against the Netherlands in August 2018. He holds the record for being the fastest bowler in the world to take 100 ODI wickets, achieving the milestone in just 42 matches in April 2023. In February 2020, he took his first ODI five-wicket haul, with career-best figures of 6/16 against the USA. He is also Nepal’s leading wicket-taker in both ODIs and T20Is. In December 2021, he was appointed the captain of the Nepal national team, further cementing his role as the face of Nepalese cricket.
Sandip Lamichhane Personal Life & Family
Sandip Lamichhane comes from a supportive family who has been a constant presence throughout his cricketing journey. His father, Chander Narayan Lamichhane, is a retired Indian Railway employee, and his mother is Kopila Devi Lamichhane, a homemaker. He is the youngest of three siblings, with an older brother named Mohan Lamichhane and an older sister, Indu Lamichhane Neupane. While his father’s work led to the family spending some years in India during Sandip’s childhood, they later returned to Nepal, where his cricketing aspirations took flight. He maintains a close relationship with his family and has mentioned wanting to spend time with them during challenging periods of his life. Details about his romantic relationships or marital status are not publicly disclosed, and he is believed to be unmarried. Beyond cricket, Lamichhane has a passion for music and is also a singer, having released songs on his YouTube channel.
Awards and Achievements of Sandip Lamichhane
- ICC World Cricket League Division Two Player of the Tournament (2018)
- ICC Player of the Month (October 2021)
- NNIPA Best Youth Player of the Year (2017)
- Pulsar Sports Awards – Best Youth Player of the Year (2018)
- Fastest bowler to take 100 ODI wickets (in 42 matches)
- First Nepalese cricketer to play in the IPL, BBL, and CPL
- Took a hat-trick in the 2016 ICC U-19 World Cup
Sandip Lamichhane Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Sandip Lamichhane’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, which translates to approximately 50 crore Indian Rupees. This makes him one of the wealthiest cricketers in Nepal. His primary sources of income are his contracts with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), match fees from international appearances, and significant earnings from participating in various global T20 franchise leagues. He has played in lucrative tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and Pakistan Super League (PSL), which contribute substantially to his wealth. His Grade ‘A’ contract with the Nepal Cricket Association also provides a steady salary. Brand endorsements and collaborations further supplement his income, solidifying his financial standing as Nepal’s most prominent sports figure.
Legacy and Influence
Sandip Lamichhane’s legacy is defined by his role as a pioneer for cricket in Nepal. He single-handedly put his country on the global cricketing map. Being the first Nepali player to break into the IPL and other major T20 leagues, he shattered barriers and created a pathway for future generations of Nepalese cricketers to dream big. His success has dramatically increased the sport’s visibility and popularity in Nepal, inspiring countless young people to take up cricket. He has demonstrated that players from associate nations can compete and excel at the highest level. His on-field achievements, including becoming the fastest bowler to 100 ODI wickets, have brought unprecedented international recognition to Nepal. Lamichhane’s journey from a small village to global stardom serves as a powerful testament to talent, hard work, and perseverance, and his influence will be felt in Nepalese cricket for many years to come.
Interesting Facts about Sandip Lamichhane
- His cricketing idols growing up were Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne.
- He was spotted by former Australian captain Michael Clarke during a tournament in Hong Kong, who then invited him to train at his academy in Sydney.
- He made his T20I debut in a unique fashion, playing for a World XI side against the West Indies at Lord’s.
- Besides being a world-class cricketer, he is also a talented singer and has released his own music.
- He became the fifth bowler in the history of the U-19 World Cup to take a hat-trick in 2016.
- In 2018, the International Cricket Council (ICC) named him as one of the ten players to watch ahead of the Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament.
Controversies
In 2022, Sandip Lamichhane’s career was embroiled in a major controversy when he was accused of raping a woman in a Kathmandu hotel. Following the complaint, an arrest warrant was issued, and he was taken into custody. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) suspended him as captain. After a period of detainment, he was released on bail. In December, the Kathmandu District Court found him guilty and later sentenced him to eight years in prison in January. However, Lamichhane maintained his innocence and appealed the verdict. In May, the Patan High Court overturned the lower court’s decision, acquitting him of the rape charges on appeal.
Social Media Presence
Sandip Lamichhane has had a significant presence on social media, although his accounts have been inaccessible at times. At their peak, his follower counts were substantial for a Nepalese athlete.
- Instagram – Over 300,000 followers
- Twitter – Information not disclosed.
- Facebook – 1.1 million followers
Final Words about Sandip Lamichhane
Sandip Lamichhane remains a pivotal and transformative figure in the history of Nepalese cricket. Despite facing significant legal challenges that temporarily halted his career, his on-field achievements and groundbreaking journey into global franchise cricket have created a lasting impact. As the first player from his nation to achieve such international acclaim, he has opened doors and inspired a generation. His record-breaking performances, particularly becoming the fastest bowler to 100 ODI wickets, highlight his exceptional talent. Following his acquittal, Lamichhane has returned to the sport, continuing to represent Nepal and play in domestic leagues. His story is one of remarkable highs and profound challenges, ultimately cementing his legacy as a resilient and pioneering athlete who changed the face of cricket in Nepal forever. His future in the sport will be keenly watched by fans both at home and around the world.
