Can Hong Kong players make it in the IPL? Ex-Kowloon Cantons spinner Sandeep offers hope
The 17-year-old is picked up by Delhi Daredevils, two years after playing in the Hong Kong T20 Blitz
The owners of the Blitz franchise that signed Nepali teen spin sensation Sandeep Lamichhane in 2016 are hoping Hong Kong players can follow in his footsteps and one day play in the Indian Premier League.
In May, 2016, 15-year-old Sandeep Lamichhane had his international T20 breakthrough when he lined up for Kowloon Cantons in the inaugural Hong Kong T20 Blitz.
Two years later, Lamichhane has come of age after being picked by Delhi Daredevils for the IPL – the world’s most prestigious and richest T20 tournament.
Lamichhane, the second highest wicket-taker at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup with 14, became the first Nepalese to be selected by an IPL side after the Daredevils snapped him up for the equivalent of HK$246,000 at the weekend’s auction.
While Lamichhane was picked up, some of the biggest names in cricket were not, with both England captain Joe Root and South African star Hashim Amla left unsold at the IPL auction.
Cantons CEO Urvashi Sethi-Sodhi hopes Lamichhane’s success helps pave the way for more players from associate nations to play in major T20 tournaments such as the IPL.