Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane tests positive for Covid-19

T20 star confirms diagnosis two weeks before start of Big Bash League

Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has tested positive for coronavirus. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Nepal leg-spinner and T20 star Sandeep Lamichhane revealed he has tested positive for Covid-19.

Hobart Hurricanes import Lamichhane got the diagnosis less than two weeks before the Big Bash League begins in Australia.

The 20-year-old leg-spinner on Saturday confirmed he had the coronavirus, saying on social media that it was his “sincere duty to tell you all that I have been tested positive for COVID-19. I had some body aches since Wednesday. But my health is improving a little bit now.”

The Nepalese player has performed exceptionally well in the Australian T20 competition, forming a strong combination at the Melbourne Stars with Australian limited-overs spinner Adam Zampa. But Lamichhane opted to sign with the Hurricanes for the upcoming season, improving the Tasmanian franchise’s hopes of securing a first BBL title.

Lamichhane has also played in T20 competitions in India, Pakistan, West Indies and Canada.

The Hurricanes are scheduled to open the BBL season in Hobart against defending champions Sydney Sixers on December 10.