Sandeep Lamichhane, a disgraced cricketer from Nepal, claimed conspiracy on Wednesday (May 1) after not being selected for Nepal’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad. Earlier this year, he was sentenced to eight years in prison by a Kathmandu court for rape, following accusations of assaulting a 17-year-old girl in August 2022. Despite being arrested and released on bail, he continued to play for Nepal in international cricket.
He was included in Nepal’s Asia Cup squad and participated in both matches against Pakistan and India. In December of the previous year, a single-judge bench of the Kathmandu District Court finally convicted Sandeep Lamichhane of rape.
Subsequently, in January, he received a lengthy prison sentence. Additionally, he was fined Rs 300,000 (approximately USD 2255) and was directed to pay Rs 200,000 (approximately USD 1500) in compensation to the victim. Following the court’s verdict, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) suspended the 23-year-old.
Sandeep Lamichhane responds to his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad
Recently, Sandeep Lamichhane lodged an appeal with the Patan High Court against the decision of the Kathmandu District Court. While awaiting the outcome of his appeal, he expresses his disappointment at not being selected for the World Cup squad.
Shortly after Nepal’s team for the prestigious event was revealed, he turned to X (formerly Twitter) to share his reaction. Initially, he posted a smiling emoji, followed by insinuations of a conspiracy against him. Although he didn’t directly address his omission from the T20 World Cup squad, the former IPL player hinted at his sentiments in his post.
“I refrained myself from long to post. I have no doubt that I am a victim of conspiracy. May God bless them all who played their roles in this conspiracy. I leave everything up to God. Time will tell the truth unless revealed.”
I refrained myself from long to post. I have no doubt that I am a victim of conspiracy. May God bless them all who played their roles in this conspiracy. I leave everything up to God. Time will tell the truth unless revealed.🙏
— Sandeep Lamichhane (@Sandeep25) May 1, 2024
In the meantime, Rohit Paudel will captain Nepal in the T20 World Cup. This marks Nepal’s second appearance in the tournament, the first being in 2014.
Nepal squad:
Rohit Paudel (c), Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Karan KC, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Pratis GC, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee
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