Sandeep Lamichhane, a cricket player from Nepal, was found guilty of rape on Wednesday, January 10, and was given an eight-year prison sentence. In addition, the former Nepal captain faces a fine of Rs 3 lakh and has to reimburse the victim with Rs 2 lakh.
Notably, a complaint was filed in September 2022 against the leg spinner, alleging that he had sexually assaulted the victim in a Kathmandu hotel in August 2021. On December 29, 2023, a single bench of Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal determined Lamichhane’s sentence after a protracted investigation and trial.
The cricket player, who was born in Syangja, was released on bail throughout the trial and carried on playing internationally for his country. In an attempt to get around his movement limitations and go to the UAE to play in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 matches in February 2023, he even filed a case with the Supreme Court. He participated in the Asia Cup 2023, playing in the matches against Pakistan and India.
In both ODIs and T20Is, Sandeep Lamichhane leads his nation in wicket-taking.
Being the leading wicket-taker for his nation in both ODIs and T20Is, Sandeep Lamichhane was well-known as the face of Nepal cricket. The wrist spinner has taken 112 wickets in 51 one-day internationals at an economy of 4.37 and an average of 18.06, with three five-wicket hauls to his credit.
With an economy of 6.29 and an average of 12.58, he has claimed 98 wickets in 52 T20I outings. Playing with the Delhi Capitals from 2018 to 2020, the 23-year-old was also the first athlete from his country to compete in the Indian Premier League.
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