Sandeep Lamichhane, the former captain of the Nepal Cricket Team, faced a conviction for rape by the Kathmandu District Court on Friday, December 29. The verdict pertains to an incident involving an 18-year-old girl.
Sandeep Lamichhane faced a conviction for the alleged rape of an 18-year-old girl by the Kathmandu District Court on December 29. The final hearings commenced on December 24, with Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal issuing the order against the Nepali cricketer. The determination of Lamichhane’s jail term, fines, or compensation will be made in the upcoming hearing.
Despite the legal proceedings, Lamichhane had been granted bail since January 12 and continued to participate in various cricket tournaments for his country. The Patan High Court, in response to a review petition filed by Lamichhane, ordered his release. A joint bench of judges Dhruva Raj Nanda and Ramesh Dahal mandated his release on a bail bond of Rs 2 million, subject to specified conditions.
In September 2022, the Kathmandu District Attorney’s Office brought charges against Lamichhane, accusing him of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl on August 21. The cricketer is facing charges under Section 219 of the Criminal Code 2074. The victim initially reported the incident on September 6 at the Metropolitan Police Circle in Gaushala while Lamichhane was away playing in the Caribbean Premier League in Trinidad and Tobago.
Lamichhane was taken into custody on October 6, 2022, at Tribhuvan International Airport. The district attorney, in the chargesheet, requested compensation from Lamichhane for the alleged physical and mental distress suffered by the victim. Following the filing of the chargesheet, Lamichhane’s bank account and property were frozen.
At the tender age of 23, Sandeep Lamichhane, a leg spinner, has left an indelible mark on the annals of Nepalese cricket. Since making his debut in May 2018, Lamichhane has emerged as a linchpin in Nepal’s international cricket pursuits. His rapid ascent has propelled him to the zenith of both ODI and T20I bowling charts—an exceptional accomplishment for a player in his early twenties. Impressively, Lamichhane has graced the cricketing arena in more than 100 international matches, showcasing not just his skill but also a timeless class that defines his presence on the field.
Sandeep Lamichhane’s cricket journey soared to new heights when he earned the distinction of being the first Nepalese player selected for the Indian Premier League (IPL). The year 2018 saw him joining the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and he promptly left his mark with his impressive spin bowling. The IPL breakthrough not only brought him recognition but also opened doors to various T20 leagues worldwide, including Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Renowned for his crafty leg-spin, Lamichhane continued to don the Nepalese colors in international cricket, playing a pivotal role in the team’s achievements.
