March 6, 2019
Nepali National Cricket team member Sandeep Lamichhane has been awarded with the title of ‘Best Cricketer of the Year’ at a programme on Tuesday. The award also won him a cash prize of Rs. 132,000.
Leg spinner Lamichhane left behind his Captain Parash Khadka and other cricketers Karan KC and Sompal Kami to win the title awarded by the Cricket Players Association, Nepal (CPAN).
Lamichhane is currently in Dubai taking part in Pakistan Super League. Captain Khadka received the award on behalf of Lamichhane, who joined the national team some three years ago.
This cricket prodigy has already demonstrated his cricket talent in Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League Australia, Global T-20 of Canada, Afghanistan’s Premier League and Bangladesh’s Premier League.
Similarly, Rohit Kumar Poudel has been honoured with Emerging Player of the Year award. Poudel, also one of the members of the national cricket team, also received Rs 66,000 as a cash prize.
The 16-year-old Poudel edged out other contenders as Abinash bohora, Kabita Kunwar, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi and Sandeep Zora.
Batsman Poudel, who is from Nawalparashi is the world’s fourth youngest player to debut in the ODI international cricket. He had become the youngest male player in history to score an international half-century, as Nepal registered a thumping victory over the UAE in the second One-Day international in January earlier this year.
Likewise, Sita Rana Magar bagged Female Cricketer of the Year. She received Rs 66,000 in cash prize, leaving behind Rubina Chettri, Indu Barma, Karuna Bhandari and Sarita Magar.
Karan KC, another member of the national cricket team, has been awarded with Best Moment of the Year. The award carries a purse of Rs 66,000. An online voting was launched where KC beat nine other contenders.
All-rounder KC had performed best batting in the Division-2 match against Canada in Namibia, qualifying Nepal for the 2019 World Cup Qualifier.
On the occasion, former cricketer Komal Bahadur Pandey was honoured with ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his invaluable contribution to Nepal’s cricket. He also received Rs 66,000.
Social Development Minister of Province no 4 Yubaraj Dulal, senior artist Haribansha Acharya, former Captain of national cricket team of Nepal Uttam Karmacharya among others handed over the awards to the players at a function held in the capital.
