18-year-old leg-spinner from Nepal, Sandeep Lamichhane has been signed by Melbourne Stars for the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). 

In what is a great development for Nepal and world cricket, Sandeep has become the first player from an associate nation to have been roped in by a BBL franchise. 

The youngster is expected to be part of Stars' campaign in the 2018-19 BBL in two parts. He is likely to join them by December 10 before leaving to play the full season of the Bangladesh Premier League on January 5, and then will return for the remainder of the season. 

Earlier this year, Sandeep also became the first Nepal cricketer to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL), when Delhi Daredevils purchased him in the auction for Rs 20 Lakh. He, since then, has featured for various T20 sides around the world, especially doing well in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Australia has been kind to him, as it is where Lamichhane trained under the watchful eyes of former Aussie skipper Michael Clarke and played grade cricket in Sydney through his arrangement. Clarke will be proud of Sandeep today. 

Sandeep also played a pivotal role in ensuring ODI status for his country in this year's ICC Cricket World Qualifiers in Zimbabwe. 

(Inputs from ESPNcricinfo)