Sandeep Lamichhane Archives - Today Match Prediction

Nepalese Cricket Ex-Captain Sandeep Lamichhane Receives Eight-Year Prison Term for Rape

Samia Akter — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:58:46 +0000

In a striking turn of events, former cricket sensation Sandeep Lamichhane, once celebrated as Nepal’s cricket poster boy, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for rape. The 23-year-old leg spinner’s on-field prowess has elevated the sport’s stature in the Himalayan republic.

The legal saga began in 2022 when Lamichhane was accused of raping a young woman in a Kathmandu hotel. Despite being granted bail, he continued to represent the national team in international tournaments. However, the delayed trial concluded in December with his conviction, and the sentence was pronounced on Wednesday, as revealed by Kathmandu district court official Ramu Sharma.

Apart from the eight-year prison term, Lamichhane was ordered to pay a court fine of 300,000 Nepalese rupees (,255) and an additional 200,000 rupees (,500) to the victim, acknowledging the mental impact of the assault.

Lamichhane, currently not in custody, was absent from the courtroom during the sentencing. His lawyer, Saroj Ghimire, affirmed that they

“will appeal the decision in a higher court.”

The victim initially claimed she was a minor when assaulted, but the court ruled she was 18 in a previous decision. Lamichhane consistently denied the charges and maintained strong public support.

His legal troubles led to the loss of his captaincy and a brief arrest after he initially failed to return from the Caribbean Premier League in Jamaica, where he was playing when an arrest warrant was issued.

Despite the controversy, Lamichhane’s ban was lifted upon securing bail, allowing him to participate in national team activities, including World Cup qualifiers and the 2023 Asia Cup. His return to cricket sparked both support and opposition, with Scotland’s cricketers notably refusing to shake hands with him during an international tournament in Dubai.

While cricket has been gaining popularity in Nepal, the sport does not receive the same adulation as in other South Asian countries. Lamichhane played a pivotal role in Nepal’s cricket rise, becoming a sought-after player in lucrative leagues worldwide, starting with the Indian Premier League in 2018.

Amidst these developments, Nepal grapples with a significant number of unreported sexual assault cases, with about 2,300 reported cases in the 2021-22 fiscal year. The MeToo movement has seen limited participation in Nepal, with little to no consequences for those accused.

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“Postponed Rape Trial for Nepal’s Lamichhane as He Joins Asia Cup Squad”

Samia Akter — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 13:09:37 +0000

Legal Proceedings Deferred, Lamichhane Set to Join Asia Cup

Nepal’s cricket sensation, Sandeep Lamichhane, has had his rape trial postponed, enabling him to join his teammates for the forthcoming Asia Cup in Pakistan.

Facing Serious Allegations

Spin bowler Sandeep Lamichhane, once a symbol of Nepal’s cricketing rise, is currently embroiled in a legal battle after being accused of raping a 17-year-old girl in a Kathmandu hotel room last year. Lamichhane vehemently denies all accusations.

Trial Postponed

The scheduled hearing for Lamichhane’s case, which was set to take place on Sunday, has been adjourned to September 7, as confirmed by his lawyer, Saroj Ghimire.

Continuing with Cricket

Lamichhane’s lawyer, Ghimire, shared that due to the trial postponement, Sandeep will be flying to Pakistan to participate in the Asia Cup.

Past Legal and Cricketing Trajectory

Following his arrest and suspension from the national captaincy last year, Lamichhane was granted bail in January. The ban on his participation was lifted by Nepal cricket authorities. He has been able to travel internationally, including to Zimbabwe for the World Cup qualifiers.

Asia Cup and Future Matches

The ODI Asia Cup, a six-nation tournament, is set to kick off in Multan, Pakistan, with Nepal making their debut against the hosts. This co-hosted event with Sri Lanka will feature nine of the 13 matches, culminating in the final in Colombo on September 17.

Nepal's Cricket Path

Despite not securing a spot in the 50-over showpiece event in India later this year, Nepal’s cricketing journey continues with its focus on the ongoing Asia Cup competition.

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Nepal star Lamichhane released from the ban

Mainul Islam — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 13:36:27 +0000

Sandeep Lamichhane is the biggest star in Nepal’s cricket. The leg-spinner was also given the responsibility of captaining the country. However, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) banned Lamichhane after he was accused of rape. This time the Nepal Board has lifted the ban.

Lamichhane has been ‘released’ ahead of the League Two tri-series of the World Cup. Nepal Cricket Board General Manager Britant Khanal said Lamichhane’s ban was lifted in compliance with the conditions set by the court. In the case of foreign tours of the Nepal national team, permission will have to be taken separately from Alalat.

Last year, a 17-year-old girl filed a rape case against Lamichhane. The case was filed at the Guashala Metropolitan Police Circle in Nepal. Later, an arrest warrant was issued against Lamichhane and he also spent time in jail.

Lamichhane made his international debut for Nepal in 2018. The 22-year-old star has played in big T20 leagues like IPL, Big Bash, and CPL. Lamichhane has taken 69 wickets in just 30 ODIs in Nepal’s jersey. He has taken 78 wickets in 44 international T20Is.

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Nepal’s Lamichhane detained on return home from Qatar

Mainul Islam — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 09:08:24 +0000

Nepal’s most high-profile cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane was taken into custody on his return to Kathmandu from Doha, local police said on Thursday, following an arrest warrant against him in an alleged rape case.

The 22-year-old has been the face of cricket in Nepal, being the only player from the Himalayan country to feature in prominent Twenty20 leagues across the world.

He was suspended as Nepal captain last month and left the Caribbean Premier League after being accused of raping a teenager. He has denied any wrongdoing. “We took him into our custody, carried out a medical check-up on him at a hospital and investigations will continue,” Dinesh Mainali, a Kathmandu Police spokesman, told Reuters.

Lamichhane, wearing a white hoodie and black cap, made no comments to the media after being detained at Kathmandu airport. In a Facebook post, before he was detained, the cricketer said he would “fully cooperate in all stages of the investigation” and vowed to “prove my innocence”. “I know I am facing a difficult time of conspiracy and wrongful allegation and the ramification of its effect is something unimaginable,” he wrote. “I will soon seek legal support against wrongful prosecution and allegation made against me and I am sure I will get justice and will return to the cricket ground soon…”

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There is no way to escape; Lamichhane announces the date of

Mainul Islam — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 07:57:03 +0000

An arrest warrant has been issued against him in his own country. The allegations are serious. Rape of a minor girl. Nepal’s star leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane is not able to cross from outside the country.

The Nepalese administration has threatened to arrest him with Interpol if necessary. Lamichhane did not return to the country despite repeatedly saying on Twitter from an unknown place. But this time there is no other way in front of him. So he told me the date of return to the country.

In August, a 17-year-old girl filed a rape case against 22-year-old Lamichhane. Describing herself as a fan of Lamichhane, she alleged that she was raped when she went to meet him on August 21. The girl was forced to spend the night with Lamichhane at the hotel as the girls’ hostel was closed by 8 pm. At first, he wanted to live in a separate room, but Lamichhane did not let it happen. Instead, he called her to his room and raped her twice. After the girl’s parents lodged a complaint, the police came to know about this information after investigating.

The Kathmandu district court then issued an arrest warrant against him. Lamichhane left Kathmandu on August 22 to tour Kenya and play in the CPL. He allegedly raped the girl the night before. Lamichhane was banned by the Nepal Cricket Board after an arrest warrant was issued. However, Lamichhane has always denied the allegations through social sites. He wrote on social media, “I am returning home on October 6. I will fight a legal battle over the allegations against me. I am very optimistic. I am innocent. I have full faith in the judiciary of the country. I hope to get justice soon. ‘

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