Sandeep Lamichhane, the leg-spinner who scripted history by becoming Nepal's first cricketer to enter the Indian Premier League (IPL), believes his participation in the lucrative tournament will help in the promotion of cricket in his home country.
Nepal, which recently gained its ODI status, doesn't have a regulatory body for the game as the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is under suspension from the ICC, the international cricket governing body, due to an administrative fallout.
"It's been two and half years that our board has been suspended by the ICC and we were nowhere in cricket in last two years. We have become an ODI nation just now. There were various ups and downs in past two years and if right now if I am getting this kind of opportunity to play for IPL then it will help our nation to grow in cricket," Lamichhane told reporters here.
"The future stars of our country will be very pleased to see this."
"We want to remain an ODI nation and play Test matches as well. We are looking forward to doing good in future," the 17-year-old expressed.
The leg-spinner was picked up by Delhi Daredevils for Rs 20 lakh in the player auction. He will begin his IPL stint under Australian legend and Delhi coach Ricky Ponting and team captain Gautam Gambhir.
Talking about Ponting, he said, "He is a fantastic guy who loves cricket. There are a lot of things to learn from him like his humbleness, kindness. It is a precious moment to share a dressing room with such kind of legend."
The young cricketer added that Gambhir has also been a huge support for him.
"We all know he is kind of guy who loves and gives chances to youngsters. From the first day, he was very caring, so it adds lots of positivity," he said.
The 11th edition of the IPL will begin from April 7. Delhi Daredevils will play their opening match on April 8 against Kings XI Punjab.
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