Sandeep Lamichhane Awarded Grade A Contract by CAN

Sandeep Lamichhane, the renowned Nepali cricketer, has been granted a Grade A central contract by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) for the year 2024. This prestigious contract, effective from July 1 to December 31, 2024, marks Lamichhane’s official return to national team duties following recent legal and administrative developments.

The decision to award Lamichhane the Grade A contract was made during CAN’s central committee meeting held on Thursday. This move comes in recognition of Lamichhane’s stellar career achievements and contributions to Nepali cricket, notably becoming the first bowler from Nepal to secure 100 T20I wickets.

Under the terms of the Grade A contract, Lamichhane and other top-tier players such as Skipper Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Sompal Kami will receive a monthly salary of NRS. One Lakhs.

Earlier this year, Lamichhane faced a setback when he was initially excluded from the central contract due to an ongoing legal case. However, on May 15, the Patan High Court acquitted him in the rape case, leading to CAN promptly lifting Lamichhane’s suspension on the same day. This clearance allowed Lamichhane to participate in the T20 World Cup.

Despite facing challenges such as visa denials that caused him to miss the initial matches, Lamichhane eventually joined the national squad during their Caribbean tour, where he showcased impressive bowling performances. Notably, he clinched several crucial wickets during matches against Bangladesh, propelling him to the milestone of 100 T20I wickets in just 54 matches, making him the second-fastest bowler globally to achieve this feat after Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, who accomplished it in 53 matches.