Nepal's Sandeep Lamichhane Acquitted of Rape Charges on Appeal

Former Nepal Cricket captain's rape conviction has been overturned by Patan High Court, Nepal. 

Kathmandu, Nepal - May 15, 2024

Sandeep Lamichhane, Nepal's star cricketer, has been acquitted of rape charges by the Patan High Court, overturning a previous conviction by a Kathmandu District Court. This raises questions about his potential return to the national team and participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

According to a Kathmandu Post report, a spokesperson for the Patan High Court cited "a lack of evidence" for the acquittal. Lamichhane was initially found guilty of raping an 18-year-old woman by a single judge in Kathmandu and sentenced to eight years in prison on January 10, 2024. He was also fined and ordered to compensate the victim.

Following the conviction, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) suspended Lamichhane. However, he appealed the sentence and was granted bail while the legal proceedings continued.

This acquittal comes after Lamichhane's initial suspension by CAN in September 2022 when an arrest warrant was issued against him following a complaint filed at a Kathmandu police station.

Lamichhane's return to the national team and his eligibility for the T20 World Cup remain unclear. CAN is likely to review the court's decision and its own policies before making any announcements.