T20 World Cup 2024: Sandeep Lamichhane to play World Cup? Nepal star cleared of rape charges

Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane might be in contention to be in the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. The Cricketer, who was found guilty in a rape case, has been proven innocent and might make a comeback for the team in the big event, set to take place from 1st June.

The Patan High Court has given a clean chit to Sandeep Lamichhane and has claimed that the leg-spinner is innocent. A bench of High Court Judges Sudarshan Dev Bhatta and Anju Upreti Dhakal overturned Kathmandu District Court’s verdict, citing a lack of sufficient grounds to convict him.

The Kathmandu district court in January this year sentenced Sandeep Lamichhane to eight years in jail. The leg-spinner was found guilty in the rape case of a 17-year-old girl in August 2022. After that, he also was fined INR 300,000 (USD 2255 approx) and was set a sum of INR 200,000 (USD 1500 approx) as compensation to the victim.

This also hampered Sandeep Lamichhane's career as he was suspended by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) from taking part in any of the games. The leg-spinner received a lot of flak from many fans and pundits for his antics and there were speculations that his career was done.

With all the allegations against him, Sandeep Lamichhane challenged the Kathmandu District Court's decision in the Patan High Court, where he was proven innocent. This also puts pressure on the Cricket Association of Nepal to lift the ban on him, which will make him available for the selection of the T20 World Cup 2024.

If the Cricket Association of Nepal lifts the ban on Sandeep Lamichhane and picks him in the team for the T20 World Cup 2024, it will boost Nepal's bowling lineup. The leg-spinner has been the Premier bowler in his country and has a huge exposure to playing in leagues around the world.

May God bless them all who played their roles in this conspiracy - Sandeep Lammichanne

Recently Sandeep Lamichhane opened up about the charges of rape against him. He stated that he has been part of the conspiracy and many have played their role in making him the victim. Taking to the Twitter account, he stated:

"I refrained myself from long to post. I have no doubt that I am a victim of conspiracy. May God bless them all who played their roles in this conspiracy. I leave everything up to God. Time will tell the truth unless revealed."

Nepal also recently revealed their squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. This will be for the first time since 2014, they will be playing in the tournament. Rohit Paudel will be captaining the team in the tournament.

Here's Nepal squad for the T20 World Cup 2024

Rohit Paudel (c), Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee