The Kathmandu District Court delivered a heavy blow to Nepali cricket on Friday, December 29, as it found national cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane guilty of raping a minor. The case, which has shocked the sports community in Nepal, pertains to an incident that occurred in a Kathmandu hotel in August 2022. Initially out on bail, Lamichhane now faces the grim reality of his actions after the recent court ruling.
Presided over by Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal, a comprehensive week-long hearing led to the conclusion that although the girl involved in the incident was under 18, she was not considered a ‘minor’ by law at the time of the rape incident. Despite this technicality, the decision against Lamichhane stands, and sentencing is scheduled for January 10, 2024, with the cricketer already taken into custody following the verdict.
Sandeep Lamichhane, 23, has been a figurehead for Nepali cricket since making his international debut in May 2018. His remarkable performance on the field has amassed him over 100 international caps and placed him at the pinnacle of Nepal’s bowling in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Notably, Lamichhane soared to the rank of the second-fastest bowler to take 50 ODI wickets – a feat underscoring his prowess with the ball.
His cricketing journey has seen him venture beyond domestic cricket into the high-stakes realm of international franchise leagues. The leg-spinner’s career highlights include a stint with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League in 2018, along with appearances in other prominent leagues such as the Big Bash League (Australia), Caribbean Premier League, and Pakistan Super League.
As the news of Lamichhane’s indictment spreads, it casts a shadow on what had been an illustrious career for the young cricketer. His transgression off the field stands in stark contrast to the accolades and milestones he’s achieved on it. The fall from grace, marked by this legal outcome, prompts a significant discourse on the conduct expected from public figures and sports personalities, who are often regarded as role models by young fans.
The story of Sandeep Lamichhane, once a symbol of inspiration in the cricketing fraternity of Nepal, now serves as a somber narrative on the repercussions of personal actions, transcending boundary lines and affecting both personal and professional realms.
While the cricket world digests this development, other stories making the rounds include former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez’s commentary on ‘inconsistent umpiring’ and the superior performance of Pakistan’s team during the Boxing Day Test. In South Africa, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja commenced training, with hopes high for his availability for the second Test in Cape Town. Additionally, Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins reflected on the year, considering 2023 as one to be remembered, especially after the team’s triumphant Boxing Day Test win.
The Nepali cricket community and fans worldwide await further details and the impending sentencing of Sandeep Lamichhane. However, this case exemplifies that no matter how high an individual may rise in the field of sport, they are not beyond the reach of law and justice.
Stay tuned for more updates, and continue to follow the latest developments in the world of cricket.
