Sandeep Lamichhane replaces Gyanendra Malla as Nepal captain

Peter Della Penna 15-Dec-2021

Legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been named captain of Nepal in another significant step highlighting the stature of the 21-year-old in his country. Lamichhane, who is currently in Australia playing for Hobart Hurricanes in his fourth season of the Big Bash League, takes over from Gyanendra Malla.

The 31-year-old Malla scored back-to-back ODI fifties in his two most recent innings for Nepal against Oman and USA in September. ESPNcricinfo understands that Malla and his deputy Dipendra Singh Airee have been removed from their leadership roles as a consequence of an ongoing contractual dispute with the Cricket Association of Nepal.

Lamichhane formerly captained the Nepal Under-19 side first in 2016 during the Asia Cup and then in 2017 for the Asian Cricket Council World Cup Qualifier. His most recent captaincy experience came in the Everest Premier League, Nepal's domestic T20 franchise tournament, where he led the Kathmandu Kings XI side this season.