KATHMANDU: Following a successful appeal on Wednesday, former Nepali cricket captain Sandeep Lamichhane had his rape conviction and eight-year sentence overturned, clearing the path for him to resume his sporting career.
Despite the lingering cloud of the case, Lamichhane, who was accused of raping a young woman in a Kathmandu hotel in 2022, had been granted bail and continued to participate in international tournaments while his trial unfolded. Although suspended by Nepal’s cricket association after his conviction, Lamichhane remained free pending the appeal’s outcome.
Expressing gratitude for the support received, Lamichhane vowed to elevate Nepal’s cricket to greater heights. The Cricket Association of Nepal lifted Lamichhane’s suspension, allowing him to return to both domestic and international cricket activities. The verdict coincided with Nepal’s imminent Twenty20 World Cup campaign, potentially opening the door for Lamichhane’s participation.
Despite the accusation, Lamichhane garnered strong public backing, evident in the jubilant scenes outside the court following the announcement. Once a symbol of cricketing success in Nepal, Lamichhane faced setbacks, including dismissal as national captain and controversy during international tournaments.
Nevertheless, he remained a pivotal figure in Nepal’s cricketing journey, contributing to the sport’s burgeoning popularity in the mountainous nation. Amidst broader societal challenges, including underreported cases of sexual assault and limited repercussions for offenders, Lamichhane’s case underscores complex issues intersecting with the sporting realm.
