Qalandars' Sandeep Lamichhane excited to play in Karachi

KARACHI: He may be from an associate member country, but Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane has become one of the most sought after cricketers in T20 leagues around the world.

18-year-old Sandeep is playing for Lahore Qalandars in Pakistan Super League. He arrived in Karachi on Friday morning to participate in Pakistan’s leg of the league.

And, the reception he got at the arrival impressed him a lot.

Talking to Geo after his training session at National Stadium, Sandeep said that it's lovely to be in Pakistan and the atmosphere in Karachi is really good.

He was also excited to see Karachi decorated with cut-outs of his and other players.

It is lovely to be here, great atmosphere in Karachi. I think cricket going to be back in Pakistan. I am super excited to be playing here tomorrow and give my best for the team,” Sandeep said when asked about how he was feeling to be in Pakistan.

“Really excited to see our posters on road, people were waving at as soon we stepped out of the airport. It made me felt good,” he added.

The magical spinner also loved the desi traditional food of Karachi.

“I have tried chicken biryani here, it was great and amazing, I would love to have some more desi food in days to come,” he hoped

Talking about cricket, Sandeep said that it is very important for Lahore Qalandars to win both the games and he hoped that the team that finished on the bottom in all three previous seasons will manage to do so and finish among top four at the end of the league stage of the PSL.

“For me, from the first to last, every game is important. The situation has come down to a point where we have to win both games so that we can see ourselves in playoffs and then lift the trophy,” he said with a promise to give 100% in both the games.

He hoped that Karachi’s crowd will come to cheer for Lahore Qalandars.

“It is for Pakistan, Lahore or Karachi. It will be good for Pakistan Cricket and I hope people here will also come to support us,” he said.

Replying to a question, Sandeep said that it is challenging for him to bowl in a condition where batsmen are master in playing spin.

Terming his Pakistan Super League performances as one of his best performances have come in PSL and that’s because of the support he’s getting from the management of Lahore Qalandars.

“My one of the best performances are in PSL, credit to all the management and support staff of Qalandars, their contribution towards me is very good, they backing me in a positive manner so that I can give my 100% and give my best,” he said.