Nepal’s cricket sensation, Sandeep Lamichhane, has swiftly set course for Pakistan to partake in the Asia Cup 2023 after the rape trial, scheduled for Sunday (August 27th), was deferred until Thursday (September 7th).
The 23-year-old cricketer, Sandeep Lamichhane, was accused of sexually assaulting a minor girl in a hotel room last August in Kathmandu. Denying all allegations levied against him, Lamichhane has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
In the year 2022, following the incident’s revelation, Lamichhane was apprehended by law enforcement, and the Cricket Association of Nepal imposed a ban on his participation in matches.
Nonetheless, in January 2023, Lamichhane was granted bail and allowed to rejoin the cricket team. The former captain of the Nepal cricket team was subsequently named in the lineup for the ICC World Cup qualifiers and the tour of Zimbabwe.
In light of the court’s decision to postpone the rape trial, Lamichhane’s legal representative confirmed that he is now eligible to compete in the Asia Cup 2023 as a crucial member of the Nepal Cricket Team.
Upon receiving this news, Lamichhane promptly made his way to Pakistan, ensuring his availability for Nepal’s inaugural match in the tournament.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the forthcoming six-team continental championship, Sandeep Lamichhane took to his official social media account and revealed that he had already embarked on his journey to Pakistan. He conveyed his eagerness to participate in the Asia Cup and extended his gratitude to Tanka Lal Ghising, the Member Secretary of Nepal Sports Council, for his pivotal role in facilitating Lamichhane’s return to the squad.
Nepal is scheduled to take on Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, in the opening match of the tournament on Wednesday (August 30th) at the Multan International Stadium. Subsequently, Pakistan will face India in their second fixture of the Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday (September 2nd) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.
The swift turn of events has not only breathed new life into Lamichhane’s cricket journey but also ignited anticipation for an intense and competitive Asia Cup 2023.