Rape-accused cricketer Lamichhane in national team’s closed camp

KATHMANDU: Former national team captain Sandeep Lamichhane, who has been accused of raping a minor girl, has returned to closed-camp training after the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) lifted his suspension.

CAN lifted the suspension after Lamichhane was released on bail by the Patan High Court.

Although Sandeep Lamichhane was not part of the 28-player roster for the closed-camp training before the tri-series with Scotland and Namibia, he arrived at the TU International Cricket Ground on Thursday afternoon.

Chief Selector Dipendra Chaudhary and Team Manager Binod Das confirmed that Sandeep Lamichhane has been called for the tri-series and will stay at the team hotel.

According to Team Manager Binod Das, Lamichhane has been called for training and his availability for selection will depend on his fitness test. “If he passes the test and fits the coach’s strategy, he will be included in the team,” Das added.

A 17-year-old girl filed a rape case against Lamichhane on September 6, accusing him of raping her twice on August 21. Lamichhane was initially sent to judicial custody by the Kathmandu District Court but was released on bail by the Patan High Court on January 12.

The haste to include Lamichhane in the training was unnecessary, especially given the difficult situation faced by CAN in the Nepal T20 franchise cricket.

Challenging the high court’s decision, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) filed a petition at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, demanding that Lamichhane should be kept in judicial custody until a final verdict is pronounced. However, despite allegations of involvement in a serious crime such as rape, the CAN has lifted the suspension on Lamichhane.

“The court has only restricted Lamichhane from leaving the country,” said Das. “After consulting with legal experts, we decided to call him for the training. However, his inclusion in the team is not guaranteed. He must prove his match fitness first.”

CAN is facing widespread criticism for lifting the suspension on Lamichhane prior to the final verdict in the case. The haste to include him in the training was unnecessary, especially given the difficult situation faced by CAN in the Nepal T20 franchise cricket.

If Lamichhane is found guilty, he could face a jail term of up to 12 years.