Former Nepal captain Sandeep Lamichhane, the biggest name in the history of the national cricket team, has been found guilty of rape.
Lamichan, Nepal’s most successful cricket exporter, was first arrested last year, but continued to represent the country in international cricket during that time. In fact, Lamichhane was playing domestic cricket on the day he was sentenced (December 29).
The leg-spinner will now face a hearing where the length of his sentence will be decided.
Who is Sandeep Lamichhane?
Sandeep Lamichhane is a 23-year-old star player who has represented Nepal 103 times in international cricket, including 29 times after his first arrest in October 2022. Lamichhane was discovered almost by chance by Nepali coach Pubudu Dassanayake during camp. He was just 15 years old when he scored a hat-trick at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. He found an enthusiastic supporter in Michael Clark, who invited him to play first-class cricket in Australia.
Lamichan’s 112 ODI wickets (18.06, economy 4.37) and 98 T20I wickets (12.58, economy 6.29) are by far the most for Nepal, with 32 in both formats, all in 2022 doing. He also played in his T20 leagues abroad such as IPL, PSL, BBL, CPL.
When did the rape allegations first come to light?
On September 8, 2022, it became public that a complaint had been filed at a police station in Kathmandu against Lamichhane, who was in the West Indies as part of Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League. He is accused of raping a 17-year-old boy on the night of his August 21st.
The district court issued an arrest warrant for Lamicyan. On the same day, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) imposed a ban on the player.
The next day, Lamicyan tweeted his innocence. He retired from CPL. On September 26th, he wrote in aFacebook post that although the situation had improved with medical monitoring, the “false” allegations had “tarnished” his “character” and caused him to suffer physical injuries. , claimed it had affected his mental health.
Lamichan returned to Nepal on October 6, and immigration officials at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport immediately was detained >on arrival in Nepal.
Why was Lamichhane still allowed to play cricket?
On January 12, 2023, a Nepalese court barred Mr. Lamichan from leaving Nepal and released him on bail of 2 million Nepali rupees (approximately $15,300). On February 1, CAN revoked Lamicyan’s suspension. This enabled him to play for Nepal in the Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series, which also included Namibia and Scotland on home ground. CAN CEO Britant Khanal assured that the board will “respect the restrictions imposed by the court.”
What has the reaction been?
Ahead of the tournament, Cricket Scotland released a statement. “Cricket Scotland is aware of reports regarding the legal status of Nepal’s Sandeep Lamicyan ahead of the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup League Two Qualifiers. Cricket Scotland, as an governing body and team, We stand firmly against all forms of abuse that should not exist in the Nepal Cricket Association and the ICC’s decision to allow players to participate in these matches.
The same applies to Namibia’s corresponding countries. “Cricket Namibia categorically rejects all forms of gender-based violence, discrimination and abuse.”
Nevertheless, Nepal included Lamichhane in their squad for the Tri-Series, but appointed Rohit Paudel as captain instead of Lamichhane.
On February 14, Lamichhane represented Nepal in their first match against Namibia since August 30, 2022. He dropped the first ball and claimed 3-66, but Kushal Bultel, Paudel, Sandeep Jora and Karan KC helped Nepal reach 286. Instead of the usual post-match handshake, the Namibian cricketers shook fists with the entire Nepal team.
Three days later, Lamichhane beat Scotland 3-27 as Aasif Shaikh, Gyanendra Mara and Kushal Mara ensured Nepal scored 275 runs. After the match, the Scottish cricketers shook hands with all the Nepali cricketers except Lamichhane.
Scotland Cricket Team refuses after match handshake with Sandeep Lamichhane.
Sandeep Lamichhane joins Scutis https://t.co/bajsRRvfcD pic.twitter.com/mv3LHF4vYa p >
– NepalLinks (@NepaliPodcasts) 17. 2023 年 2 月
Was Lamichhane allowed to travel?
CAN did not include Lamichhane in the 15-man squad for theCricket World Cup League 2 Tri-Series to be held in Dubai. The other teams areUAE and Papua New Guinea. However, four days later, Nepal’s Supreme Court granted Lamicyan permission to travel to Dubai for the 3 Series. On the same day, Gulsanger, Brutel and Shaikh helped Nepal defeat Papua New Guinea in the first match.
Shortly after, uncapped off-spinner Moussam Dhakal was injured near the nets and Lamichhane came on as his injured replacement. CAN’s tweet congratulates Lamicyan on his “return to the team!” It was criticized for its celebratory atmosphere. Despite this, Lamichhane played in Nepal’s next match against the United Arab Emirates. Nepal lost despite him being unbeaten with 3 wins and 27 losses and a 24-ball 26.
Lamichhane is convicted
On December 29, 2023, Lamicyan was found guilty by the Kathmandu District Court. He currently faces a hearing to determine the length of his sentence.
