Cricket

Former Nepalese BBL player acquitted of rape, free to play T20 World Cup

The original verdict has been overturned on appeal.

Published by
Scott Pryde

Former Big Bash League player Sandeep Lamichhane will be free to play at the T20 World Cup if picked by the national board after being acquitted of rape.

CricInfo report he has been acquitted by the Patan High Court in Nepal after a "lack of evidence."

Lamichhane had previously been found guilty of the alleged offence, with a prison sentence announced in January. His appeal through the Nepalese court system began earlier this month.

He had been first suspended in September 2022 before returning to the team in February last year, playing through until his sentence was confirmed for the alleged offence that has now been struck down.

The acquittal from the offence has come too late for Lamichhane to feature in Nepal's ongoing training camp, but the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) have confirmed they will work with the ICC to gain clearance for the spin bowler, who has been one of Nepal's best during previous appearances.

"Since the high court has cleared Sandeep Lamichhane from all the allegations, he is now cleared to play all forms of cricket," a CAN spokesperson said.

All 20 nations for the World Cup need to name their 15-man squads for the tournament by May 25, with the tournament - held in the USA and West Indies - to kick off on June 1.

Nepal have been drawn in Group D for the tournament alongside Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, and will open their tournament against the Netherlands on June 5 in Texas.

Published by
Scott Pryde