File photo of Sandeep Lamichhane.©Instagram
The rape case against Nepalese cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane was postponed on Sunday, allowing him to join his teammates in Pakistan for the upcoming Asia Cup, his lawyer said. Spin bowler Lamichhane, 23, once the figurehead of the rise of cricket in Nepal, is accused of raping a 17-year-old girl in a hotel room in Kathmandu last August. Lamichhane denies all allegations. The final hearing on Sunday was postponed to Sept. 7, Lamichhane’s lawyer Saroj Ghimire said. “Sandeep will now fly to Pakistan to play,” Ghimire told AFP.
Last year, Lamichhane was suspended as national captain and arrested, but was released on bail in January. Nepal subsequently lifted its playing ban.
Under his bail conditions, Lamichhane has been able to travel abroad, including to Zimbabwe for the World Cup qualifiers.
The six-nation ODI Asia Cup kicks off in Pakistan’s Multan on Wednesday, where the hosts will clash with debutants Nepal.
Pakistan will co-host the 50-over tournament with Sri Lanka, where nine of the thirteen games – including the final in Colombo on September 17 – will be played.
Nepal failed to participate in India’s 50-over showpiece in October.
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