Melbourne Stars battling to hold on to Nepalese spin sensation Sandeep Lamichhane after BBL08 heroics

At least two BBL franchises are making plays for teenage Nepalese spinner Sandeep Lamichhane but the Melbourne Stars are confident of holding on to their prized asset.

Sandeep Lamichhane has made a big impact in BBL08.

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Melbourne Stars face a fight to re-sign Sandeep Lamichhane with the Nepalese spinner emerging as a Big Bash League poaching target.

News Corp Australia understands at least two other BBL franchises are making plays for Lamichhane, who has been one of the finds of the summer.

But Lamichhane, 18, has enjoyed his six games in green with the Stars in the box seat to secure him for next summer.

Sandeep Lamichhane has made a big impact in BBL08.

Initial talks with the Stars started about two weeks ago.

Captain Glenn Maxwell praised Lamichhane’s energy and the cheeky teenager has been a popular addition to the “Stars family”.

Lamichhane dismissed the opposition captain in his first five games and has taken 11 wickets at an economy rate of just 6.8 runs after jagging 3-11 against Sydney Sixers on Sunday.

The Stars are likely to have another decent list overhaul with all-rounder Evan Gulbis, veteran Jackson Bird and West Indies import Dwayne Bravo also understood to be coming out of contract.

Michael Beer retired last week while coach Stephen Fleming also falls out of contract but the New Zealand great has guided the Stars to the semi-finals in three out of his four seasons in charge.

Lamichhane missed eight BBL games to play in the Bangladesh Premier League and Sylhet Sixers also wants to retain him.

But next season’s BPL is unlikely to heavily overlap with the BBL again given it was previously staged across November-December.

Stars travel to Hobart for Thursday night’s semi-final against the Hurricanes.

Lamichhane was their best bowler at Blundstone Arena in December, taking 3-24 – including the wickets of Matthew Wade and Ben McDermott.

Stars are the only semi-finalist entering the finals series after a victory as pressure builds on Hobart to end the curse of finishing first.

Sandeep Lamichhane took three wickets in the weekend win over the Sixers.

Five of the past six minor premiers have lost their home semi-final, including the Stars - against Hobart - in BBL03.

“We were 8-0 coming into the finals and there was just a shocking feeling we were going to lose that first final,” Maxwell said.

“Hobart had won 3 ½ games to scrape into the finals. We ended up losing to a team that scraped in with a washout.

“Anyone can win from anywhere but we’re certainly grateful for the opportunity to be there.”

Former Star and 2015 World Cup winner James Faulkner (knee) has been cleared to return for Hobart.