Star player Sandeep Lamichhane had to stay back in country as his Nepal teammates headed for the Asia Cup 2023 tournament where they will the opening game on August 30 in Multan against hosts Pakistan.
Nepal is grouped with Pakistan and India in Group A in what is their maiden appearance in the Asia Cup tournament ever. However, they have traveled for the tournament without their star spinner Sandeep Lamichhane.
Lamichhane, 23, is accused of raping a 17-year-old girl in a Kathmandu hotel room in August last year. And though he has denied all wrongdoing, he needs to stay in Nepal itself to stand trial.
The incident in question involves a 17-year-old girl and allegedly took place in a Kathmandu hotel room in August of the previous year.
"Since there is a case against him sub judice at the court, he is not going with us now -- he also has some health issues," Pradeep Majgaiyan, manager of the Cricket Association of Nepal told reporters.
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Lamichhane must attend the latest hearing in the case on Sunday, and Majgaiyan said it was hoped he would be able to later join the squad for the tournament.
"There are still some days left for the match to begin, so there are still chances that he will join later," Majgaiyan added.
Lamichhane, who was previously suspended as the national captain and arrested, was released on bail in January 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.
New Nepal captain Rohit Paudel said about possibility of Lamichhane playing in the Asia Cup.
He said: "It has not been finalised yet that he will not play. We are hopeful that he will play -- he is really an impactful and big player for our team. He has helped win several matches for us. So, we hope he will join us later.”
After facing Pakistan on August 30, Nepal will clash with India on September 2nd with the match to be played in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
(AFP inputs)
