Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane could be a candidate to be in the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. The cricketer, who was found guilty in a rape case, has been proven innocent and could return for the team at the big event. , which will take place starting June 1.
The Patan High Court has given the nod to Sandeep Lamichhane and stated that the leg-spinner is innocent. A bench of High Court judges Sudarshan Dev Bhatta and Anju Upreti Dhakal set aside the Kathmandu District Court verdict, citing lack of sufficient grounds for conviction.
In January this year, the Kathmandu district court sentenced Sandeep Lamichhane to eight years in prison. The leg-spinner was found guilty in the rape case of a 17-year-old girl in August 2022. After that, he was also fined INR 300,000 (USD 2,255 approximately) and a sum of INR 200,000 (USD 1,500 approximately) ). as compensation to the victim.
This also hampered Sandeep Lamichhane’s career as the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) suspended him from participating in any of the games. The player received a lot of criticism from many fans and experts for his antics and there were speculations that his career was over.
With all the allegations against him, Sandeep Lamichhane challenged the decision of the Kathmandu District Court before the Patan High Court, where his innocence was proven. This also puts pressure on the Nepal Cricket Association to lift the ban on him, which will make him available for selection for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
If the Nepal Cricket Association lifts the ban on Sandeep Lamichhane and picks him in the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, it will boost Nepal’s bowling lineup. The bowler has been the Premier bowler in his country and has great exposure to playing in leagues around the world.
May God bless all who played their part in this conspiracy – Sandeep Lammichanne
Recently, Sandeep Lamichhane spoke about the rape charges against him. He stated that he has been part of the conspiracy and many have played his role in making him a victim. On his Twitter account he stated:
“I refrained from publishing for a long time. I have no doubt that I am the victim of a conspiracy. May God bless all those who played their part in this conspiracy. I leave everything in the hands of God. Time will tell the truth unless reveal.”
Nepal also recently revealed their squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. It will be the first time since 2014 that they will play in the tournament. Rohit Paudel will captain the team in the tournament.
Here is Nepal’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup
Rohit Paudel (c), Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee