Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane cleared of rape charges

Nepal's leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been acquitted of charges in a rape case by the Patan High Court, overturning the previous verdict from the Kathmandu District Court which had sentenced him to eight years in prison due to insufficient evidence.

Lamichhane, who had contested his innocence, can now potentially join Nepal's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024, scheduled to commence in the United States from June 1.

Following his sentencing in January, Lamichhane appealed the decision, maintaining his innocence throughout the legal process. With the high court ruling in his favor, he is now cleared of all charges and eligible for selection in the national team.

In September 2023, Lamichhane, then the captain of Nepal, faced suspension from the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) after an arrest warrant was issued in Kathmandu regarding the case, following a complaint filed against him.

This suspension disrupted his participation in the CPL 2022 with the Jamaica Tallawahs in the West Indies, as he had to leave the tournament immediately upon the announcement of his suspension. Upon his return to Kathmandu in early October, he was taken into custody.

Lamichhane's last international cricket appearance was in August 2023 during a T20I match against Kenya.