Nepal Heads To Asia Cup Without Rape-accused Sandeep Lamichhane | Cricket News

Nepal’s cricket squad on Tuesday headed to Pakistan for the ODI Asia Cup with out its star spin bowler, who should keep house to face trial for alleged rape, officers mentioned. Sandeep Lamichhane, 23, was as soon as the poster boy for the rise of cricket in Nepal, however he’s accused of raping a 17-year-old woman in a Kathmandu resort room in August final 12 months. Lamichhane denies all wrongdoing.

“Since there is a case against him sub judice at the court, he is not going with us now — he also has some health issues,” Pradeep Majgaiyan, supervisor of the Cricket Association of Nepal, advised reporters forward of the workforce’s departure.

Lamichhane should attend the newest listening to within the case on Sunday, and Majgaiyan mentioned it was hoped he would have the ability to later be a part of the squad for the match. The six-nation ODI Asia Cup is scheduled from August 30 to September 17 in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with cricketing minnows Nepal seen because the outsiders.

“There are still some days left for the match to begin, so there are still chances that he will join later,” Majgaiyan added. Last 12 months, Lamichhane was suspended as nationwide captain and arrested, however was freed on bail in January and Nepal then lifted his ban on enjoying.

Under his bail situations, Lamichhane has been in a position to journey overseas, together with to Zimbabwe for the World Cup qualifiers. Nepal did not make the reduce for the 50-over showpiece occasion in India in October. Skipper Rohit Paudel mentioned Lamichhane nonetheless had his place on the squad.

“It has not been finalised yet that he would not play,” Paudel advised a press convention. “We are hopeful that he will play — he is really an impactful and big player for our team. He has helped win several matches for us. So, we hope he will join us later.”

Nepal open the match going through hosts Pakistan on August 30 at Multan. A win at their debut Asia Cup could be a dream for the cricket-mad South Asian nation, whose aspect will compete towards high nations together with India and Pakistan.