• Sportzyverse
• T20 World Cup 2024
• 05/17/2024
• 0 Comments

Star cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane has been given a remarkable opportunity to resurrect his international career. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has allowed Nepal to add the talented leg-spinner to their squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. This follows a significant legal turnaround after Lamichhane was previously embroiled in a highly publicized rape case.

The Legal Battle

In September 2022, Lamichhane’s life took a drastic turn when he was arrested and charged with raping an 18-year-old girl. The allegations shocked the cricketing world, especially in Nepal, where Lamichhane had rapidly risen to fame as one of the country’s most celebrated sports icons. Initially, he was given an eight-year sentence, which seemed to spell the end of his promising career.

However, a recent ruling by the Patan High Court has dramatically changed the course of events. The court cleared the 23-year-old of all charges, overturning the previous conviction and associated financial penalties. This legal victory paved the way for the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) to lift his suspension and reintegrate him into the national team.

With the ICC’s approval, Lamichhane is now set to join Nepal’s squad for the T20 World Cup. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has already announced a preliminary 15-member squad for the tournament, and the process to officially add Lamichhane to the roster is underway. Rohit Paudel will lead the Nepal side, which is grouped with South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands.

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Lamichhane’s Cricketing Record

Lamichhane, known for his impressive leg-spin, holds the record for being the quickest bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets. His potential return is seen as a significant boost for Nepal’s chances in the World Cup. Lamichhane’s inclusion strengthens the team’s bowling attack and brings experience and star power to the squad.

The ICC’s decision has sparked a range of reactions. Given his recent acquittal, supporters of Lamichhane view this as a just outcome. They believe his presence will inspire the team and fans alike. However, critics argue about the appropriateness of his return so soon after such serious allegations. The controversy highlights the broader discussions around athletes and accountability.

Nepal’s inclusion of Lamichhane adds a new dimension to its T20 World Cup campaign. As part of Group D, it faces formidable opponents, including South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. Lamichhane’s return could be the key to upsetting some of these stronger teams and significantly impacting the tournament.