Nepal’s prominent cricketer, spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, has been found guilty of rape, a charge that may result in a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
The 23-year-old, arrested in October 2022 and currently out on bail, faces this grave accusation.
The court determined that the victim was 18 at the time of the incident, correcting the previous report that stated she was a minor. Lamichhane’s sentencing is scheduled for January 10, but his legal representative has announced their intention to appeal the verdict.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the judgment, Lamichhane’s lawyer, Sabita Bhandari Baral, told Reuters, “We did not expect this judgement, we are frustrated. We’ll definitely appeal.”
Lamichhane, known for his participation in Australia’s Big Bash and the Indian Premier League, had been suspended as Nepal’s captain in September 2022 when the rape accusation surfaced. Following a warrant for his arrest, he was detained upon returning to Kathmandu from playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
In response, Lamichhane, maintaining his innocence, cooperated with the investigation and announced his return on Facebook. Subsequently released on bail, he rejoined the Nepal side in February, playing in a Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series against Scotland and Namibia amid protests. Notably, players from both opposing nations refused to shake his hand, but Lamichhane continued to represent Nepal throughout 2023.
To read more stories like this, click sports.