Nepal’s star leg-spinner, Sandeep Lamichhane, has announced his decision to opt out of the Cricket Association of Nepal’s (CAN) central contract for 2025. Despite this move, Lamichhane remains committed to representing the national team.
Sandeep Lamichhane’s Personal and Professional Growth
In a Facebook post on May 14, Lamichhane stated:
“After much thought, I’ve decided not to continue under the central contract of the Cricket Association of Nepal for this time. This isn’t a step away from cricket or my nation—it’s a step toward evolving personally and professionally.”
He did not elaborate on how stepping away from the central contract would aid his personal and professional development.
CAN President’s Perspective
Chatur Bahadur Chand, President of CAN, commented on Lamichhane’s decision, emphasizing that it was made voluntarily. He acknowledged that Lamichhane is seeking to become more professional and advance to the next stage of his career. Chand also noted that while Lamichhane might have certain privileges in terms of endorsements and dealings with franchise teams, he is still expected to adhere to the team’s code of conduct.
Current Engagements
Lamichhane is currently in the United Kingdom with the Nepal national team, preparing for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-nation series in Scotland, where Nepal will face Scotland and the Netherlands.
Central Contract Details
CAN’s central contract system categorizes players into different grades with corresponding monthly salaries:
- Grade A: रु. 100,000
- Grade B: रु. 70,000
- Grade C: रु. 55,000
- Grade D: रु. 35,000
- Emerging Category (EC): रु. 25,000
Lamichhane was previously listed under Grade A, the highest tier.
While Lamichhane’s decision marks a significant shift in his professional journey, his continued participation in national matches indicates his ongoing commitment to Nepalese cricket.
