KATHMANDU, May 30: Young Nepali cricket sensation Sandeep Lamichhane has left for England on Tuesday to take part in a T20I cricket match between ICC World XI and West Indies on Thursday. At a press conference held at TU International Cricket Ground, Lamichhane said patience has been the key for the success he has achieved so far.
Lamichhane said that he has got a great platform to showcase his skills and he wanted to see other Nepali players play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in future.
“I got a good opportunity in the IPL and I grabbed it. There are many talented Nepali players who could make it to the IPL. I would like to see that happen someday,’’ Lamichanne said. “Playing for the World XI is a big thing for a youngster like me.”
“Patience is the key to succeed and I have prepared myself for this moment from a long time.’’
Talking about his experience with Delhi Daredevils in the IPL, he added that he had a lot of good memories with the team and it was a great moment for him to be able to share the dressing room with top international players besides playing with them. He added that the three games he played where he picked up five wickets in total were very special.
Pitch perfect
“I wasn’t even a little bit nervous after I was informed that I will be playing my first match. I was supported by many people and it was a great moment for a youngster like me. I think I deserved everything I have so far, that’s why I was there.”
Lamichhane added that the Daredevils players congratulated him for helping Nepal secure the ODI status and also said that he was happy because of their love for Nepali cricket.
“They congratulated me for the ODI status and it seemed like they loved Nepali cricket. I felt very happy seeing their love for Nepali cricket. It was great time for me in India,’’ Lamichhane added.
He also said that it was hard to play in Nepal the same way he did in the IPL as there are a lot of things that are lacking in Nepali cricket. He added that Nepal needed a good domestic structure for cricket and there was a need to organize more domestic tournaments.
“There is a way to maintain cricket in Nepal like India does. Of course, the level of cricket is very different and high in India, but if we get all those facilities, we can also do well in cricket,’’ Lamichhane further added. “Good domestic structure is a must to develop Nepali cricket.
There is a lot of talent in our country and if they get opportunity like me, they can prove it too.’’
Talking about his preparations for the upcoming match, Lamichhane said: “Every game is a new opportunity.
Every game can show what my future is going to be like. I hope I’ll play a good game for the World XI.’’
Nevertheless, Lamichhane was not too contented with the success he has achieved so far and said that he still needed a lot to do.
“I’ve not become that successful and I still have a lot to do to reach the top. Everyone supported me when I was in India and that helped me strive for more. I am happy with what I have achieved, but there is still a long way to go.’’
The West Indies cricket team will take on the ICC rest of World XI on Thursday at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
