Sandeep Lamichhane set to join Nepal teammates for Asia Cup 2023 after rape trial deferred

Lamichhane was accused of raping a 17-year-old girl in a Kathmandu hotel room last year.

Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane is all set to join his teammates in Pakistan for the upcoming Asia Cup as his rape trial was postponed on Sunday (August 27).

Lamichhane, 23, was accused of raping a 17-year-old girl in a Kathmandu hotel room in August last year. The leg-spinner has denied all wrongdoing brought against him.

The latest hearing on Sunday was postponed until September 7, confirmed Lamichhane's lawyer Saroj Ghimire.

"Sandeep will now fly to Pakistan to play," Ghimire told AFP.

Lamichhane, who was previously suspended as the national captain and arrested, was released on bail in January 2023 after facing charges related to alleged rape. Nepal subsequently lifted his playing ban.

Under the conditions of his bail, Lamichhane has been able to travel abroad, including to Zimbabwe for the World Cup qualifiers.

The 2023 edition of Asia Cup, featuring six teams, is all set to get underway on August 30. Nepal will take on hosts Pakistan in the tournament opener in Multan.

In their second group match, Nepal will face India at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on September 4.

(With AFP Inputs)