Controversial Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane won’t travel to the USA for the upcoming T20 World Cup after the player’s latest visa demand was turned down by the authorities. Lamichhane, who was recently acquitted of rape charges in his homeland was included&nbsp;in the T20 World Cup squad. However, the player’s controversial background and legal battles in the court formed the basis for Lamichhane’s visa denial by the US authorities.

<h2>Lamichhane denied visa</h2>

On Thursday (May 30) US embassy in Nepal denied Lamichhane&nbsp;visa despite the government trying its best through different agencies. Chhumbi Lama, central committee member of the Cricket Association of Nepal, said their subsequent bid to push for a US visa had failed.

"There is a slim -- or no chance -- for him to be involved in the World Cup," Lama told AFP.

"The Cricket Association of Nepal had lobbied to the US embassy through different Nepal government agencies, but the visa was denied."

The decision comes as a huge setback for Nepal as they were competing in their maiden Major ICC event. Lamichhane last week admitted that it was “unfortunate” not to receive the US visa. The 23-year-old in his short cricket career was a sensation and played franchise cricket in the Big Bash League (BBL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

His exploits also saw him earn a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he played for Delhi Capitals. However, the player was charged for raping a young woman in a Kathmandu hotel in 2022.

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Recently the charges were dropped against him as he was not found guilty in the rape case.

While the Nepal government is still trying its best for Lamichhane to get the visa, it is highly unlikely he will travel to the US. As things stand, all teams were only allowed to make changes to their squad until 25 May, after which any alteration requires approval from ICC’s Event Technical Committee.

Nepal squad: 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

(Inputs from Agencies)

Controversial Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane won’t travel to the USA for the upcoming T20 World Cup after the player’s latest visa demand was turned down by the authorities.

Controversial Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane won’t travel to the USA for the upcoming T20 World Cup after the player’s latest visa demand was turned down by the authorities. Lamichhane, who was recently acquitted of rape charges in his homeland was included in the T20 World Cup squad. However, the player’s controversial background and legal battles in the court formed the basis for Lamichhane’s visa denial by the US authorities. Lamichhane denied visa On Thursday (May 30) US embassy in Nepal denied Lamichhane visa despite the government trying its best through different agencies. Chhumbi Lama, central committee member of the Cricket Association of Nepal, said their subsequent bid to push for a US visa had failed. "There is a slim -- or no chance -- for him to be involved in the World Cup," Lama told AFP. "The Cricket Association of Nepal had lobbied to the US embassy through different Nepal government agencies, but the visa was denied." The decision comes as a huge setback for Nepal as they were competing in their maiden Major ICC event. Lamichhane last week admitted that it was “unfortunate” not to receive the US visa. The 23-year-old in his short cricket career was a sensation and played franchise cricket in the Big Bash League (BBL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). His exploits also saw him earn a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he played for Delhi Capitals. However, the player was charged for raping a young woman in a Kathmandu hotel in 2022. ALSO READ | 'I don't care...,' Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag opens up on India selection Recently the charges were dropped against him as he was not found guilty in the rape case. While the Nepal government is still trying its best for Lamichhane to get the visa, it is highly unlikely he will travel to the US. As things stand, all teams were only allowed to make changes to their squad until 25 May, after which any alteration requires approval from ICC’s Event Technical Committee. Nepal squad: 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 (Inputs from Agencies)

Sandeep Lamichhane won't travel to USA for T20 World Cup after authorities deny visa for Nepal star

Nepalese cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane was acquitted by the Patan High Court on Wednesday (May 15), having been convicted of rape by the Kathmandu District Court last year.

Nepalese cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane was acquitted by the Patan High Court on Wednesday (May 15), having been convicted of rape by the Kathmandu District Court last year. According to Nepalese media reports, the bench of Judges Sudarashan Dev Bhatta and Anju Upreti Dhakal overturned the lower court's verdict. “The district court’s verdict has been overturned, Sandeep Lamichhane has been acquitted,” Parajuli was quoted as saying by setopati.com. The leg-spinner was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined Rs 300,000 in January this year. He was also ordered to pay compensation of Rs 200,000 to the victim. After being acquitted, it is being reported that Lamichhane will be available for selection for the men's senior team for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA. Although a 15-member squad, led by captain Rohit Paudel has been announced, ICC has granted provision to the teams to make changes to their squad until May 25, which makes it certain that Lamichhane will get the nod. What was Lamichchane accused of? The Kathmandu District Attorney’s office filed a case against Sandeep, accusing him of raping a 17-year-old on August 21, 2022, in a hotel room. He was charged under section 219 of the Criminal Code 2074. The girl filed a case against the Nepalese men’s team star at the Metropolitan Police Station in Gaushala. At that time, the then-22-year-old spinner was plying his trade for Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Upon arriving in his native country, police arrested him at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Also read | Ex-Nepal cricket captain Sandeep Lamichhane convicted of rape Lamichhane's cricketing career Lamichhane made his international debut in May 2018 and quickly emerged as the go-to-bowler in T20s. He became the top pick in several franchise-based leagues, including the India Premier League, Big Bash League and the PSL. In his short career, he managed to scalp over 100 wickets in more than 100 white-ball matches for Nepal. He was part of the Delhi Capitals squad between 2018-20, and bagged 13 wickets in nine fixtures. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) appointed him as the captain in December 2021, but he was sacked in September of the following year after the rape charges and as court proceedings started subsequently. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepalese cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane acquitted of rape

Former Nepal cricket captain Sandeep Lamichhane appealed against his eight-year prison sentence for rape on Thursday and was permitted to remain out of jail while the case proceeds.&nbsp;

Lamichhane was once the poster boy for cricket in Nepal and the leg-spinner's on-field success had boosted the sport's profile in the Himalayan republic.

The 23-year-old&nbsp;was convicted of the rape of a young woman in December and sentenced the following month.&nbsp;

"We have filed an appeal against the court's decision," his lawyer Saroj Ghimire told AFP.

Ghimire said an application for Lamichhane to remain out of custody while the appeal was heard had been accepted.&nbsp;

Lamichhane&nbsp;initially failed to return from Jamaica, where he was playing in the Caribbean Premier League, after an arrest warrant was issued in 2022.&nbsp;

He was dismissed as national captain and arrested but Nepal lifted his playing ban after he was freed on bail.

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This allowed him to remain on the national team, including for the World Cup qualifiers and the 2023 Asia Cup.

Lamichhane&nbsp;was a major part of this rise as the most sought-after Nepali cricketer in lucrative T20 franchise leagues around the world.

His big break came when he was snapped up for the Indian Premier League, the world's richest cricket tournament, in 2018.

Former Nepal cricket captain Sandeep Lamichhane appealed against his eight-year prison sentence for rape on Thursday and was permitted to remain out of jail while the case proceeds.

Former Nepal cricket captain Sandeep Lamichhane appealed against his eight-year prison sentence for rape on Thursday and was permitted to remain out of jail while the case proceeds. Lamichhane was once the poster boy for cricket in Nepal and the leg-spinner's on-field success had boosted the sport's profile in the Himalayan republic. The 23-year-old was convicted of the rape of a young woman in December and sentenced the following month. "We have filed an appeal against the court's decision," his lawyer Saroj Ghimire told AFP. Ghimire said an application for Lamichhane to remain out of custody while the appeal was heard had been accepted. Lamichhane initially failed to return from Jamaica, where he was playing in the Caribbean Premier League, after an arrest warrant was issued in 2022. He was dismissed as national captain and arrested but Nepal lifted his playing ban after he was freed on bail. ALSO READ | IPL 2024: Gujarat Titans pacer Mohammed Shami to miss full season to undergo surgery for ankle injury This allowed him to remain on the national team, including for the World Cup qualifiers and the 2023 Asia Cup. Lamichhane was a major part of this rise as the most sought-after Nepali cricketer in lucrative T20 franchise leagues around the world. His big break came when he was snapped up for the Indian Premier League, the world's richest cricket tournament, in 2018.

Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane appeals against rape conviction

The Kathmandu District Court on Friday convicted the former Nepal captain and star cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane of rape. Following the final hearings that began on Sunday, a single bench of Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal passed the order, also concluding that the girl was not a minor at the time of the rape.

Per the latest reports coming from Nepal, the next hearing will determine the jail term for the senior member of the Nepal men’s cricket team.

Earlier this year, on January 12, the Patan High Court ordered Lamichhane’s release on bail. Responding to a review petition filed by the former Nepalese captain, a joint bench of Judges Dhruva Raj Nanda and Ramesh Dahal ordered Lamichhane’s release on bail bond of Rupees 2 million with stipulations.

Meanwhile, on November 4, 2022, the Kathmandu District Court passed the order for Lamichhane’s arrest in the Sundhara-based Central Jail following a detention hearing. Shortly after the court's order, Sandeep moved to the high court, challenging the decision.

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The Kathmandu District Attorney’s office filed a case against Sandeep, accusing him of raping a 17-year-old on August 21, 2022, in a hotel room. He was charged under section 219 of the Criminal Code 2074.

The girl filed a case against the Nepalese men’s team star at the Metropolitan Police Station in Gaushala. At that time, the then-22-year-old spinner was plying his trade for Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Upon arriving in his native country, police arrested him at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

The District Court Attorney had also demanded compensation from Sandeep Lamichhane for the victim’s alleged physical and mental torture. After the charge sheet was filed, Sandeep’s bank accounts and property were seized.

<h2>The rise and fall of Sandeep Lamichhane</h2>

Already regarded as the most successful and followed Nepalese cricketer, Sandeep is the quickest to 100 ODI wickets.&nbsp;

Since his international debut in May 2018, the leg-spinner emerged as the go-to-bowler in T20s, having played in several franchise-based leagues in his brief career thus far, including in the IPL, Big Bash League and the PSL.

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) appointed him as the captain in December 2021, and he got sacked in September next year over rape charges and got arrested soon after.&nbsp;

After he got released on bail in January 2023, the CAN allowed Sandeep to play as their key bowler in the overseas matches.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Lamichhane’s last ODI appearance came against India during the Asia Cup in Pallekele on September 4.&nbsp;

The Kathmandu District Court on Friday convicted the former Nepal captain and star cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane of rape. Following the final hearings that began on Sunday, a single bench of Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal passed the order, also concluding that the girl was not a minor at the time of the rape.

The Kathmandu District Court on Friday convicted the former Nepal captain and star cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane of rape. Following the final hearings that began on Sunday, a single bench of Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal passed the order, also concluding that the girl was not a minor at the time of the rape. Per the latest reports coming from Nepal, the next hearing will determine the jail term for the senior member of the Nepal men’s cricket team. Earlier this year, on January 12, the Patan High Court ordered Lamichhane’s release on bail. Responding to a review petition filed by the former Nepalese captain, a joint bench of Judges Dhruva Raj Nanda and Ramesh Dahal ordered Lamichhane’s release on bail bond of Rupees 2 million with stipulations. Meanwhile, on November 4, 2022, the Kathmandu District Court passed the order for Lamichhane’s arrest in the Sundhara-based Central Jail following a detention hearing. Shortly after the court's order, Sandeep moved to the high court, challenging the decision. ALSO READ: SA v IND: Ravindra Jadeja recovers from back injury, set to return to XI for Cape Town Test The Kathmandu District Attorney’s office filed a case against Sandeep, accusing him of raping a 17-year-old on August 21, 2022, in a hotel room. He was charged under section 219 of the Criminal Code 2074. The girl filed a case against the Nepalese men’s team star at the Metropolitan Police Station in Gaushala. At that time, the then-22-year-old spinner was plying his trade for Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Upon arriving in his native country, police arrested him at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The District Court Attorney had also demanded compensation from Sandeep Lamichhane for the victim’s alleged physical and mental torture. After the charge sheet was filed, Sandeep’s bank accounts and property were seized. The rise and fall of Sandeep Lamichhane Already regarded as the most successful and followed Nepalese cricketer, Sandeep is the quickest to 100 ODI wickets. Since his international debut in May 2018, the leg-spinner emerged as the go-to-bowler in T20s, having played in several franchise-based leagues in his brief career thus far, including in the IPL, Big Bash League and the PSL. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) appointed him as the captain in December 2021, and he got sacked in September next year over rape charges and got arrested soon after. After he got released on bail in January 2023, the CAN allowed Sandeep to play as their key bowler in the overseas matches. Meanwhile, Lamichhane’s last ODI appearance came against India during the Asia Cup in Pallekele on September 4.

Ex-Nepal cricket captain Sandeep Lamichhane convicted of rape, jail term to be determined soon

Nepal cricket team star Sandeep Lamichhane has been sent to seven-day police remand for further investigation in the rape case against him. The former Nepal cricket team captain has been accused of raping a minor in a hotel in the country. The Kathmandu District Court sent him into police custody on Monday.

The victim had filed a complaint against the Nepal cricketer following which he had to pull out of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) last month. An arrest warrant was later issued by a Nepal court against the cricketer as he failed to report back to the country in time for the legal proceedings.

Following the arrest warrant, Lamichhane, who is Nepal's most sought-after cricketer at present, was sacked as the captain of the Nepal cricket team and was also suspended from representing the country in any form of cricket. The Kathmandu District Court can grant up to 25 days time from his arrest for the investigation of the case before filing a criminal case against the cricketer.

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Earlier this month, Lamichhane had taken to social media to continue to deny the allegations levelled against him. He expressed faith in Nepal's judicial system and said he is looking forward to cooperating with the officials in the case to ensure he can prove his innocence and return to playing cricket as soon as possible.

"Your support, faith, trust and your critical remarks are what I have taken as my assets, motivation and strength. I know I am facing a difficult time of conspiracy and wrongful allegation and the ramification of its effect is something unimaginable.

I am sure there must be some mechanism of compensating to the accused who proven to be innocent in our legal system. I will soon seek legal support against wrongful prosecution and allegation made against me and I am sure I will get the justice and will return to the cricket ground soon to make the name and fame of my beloved country and I pray for speedy trial," Lamichhane said.

"As per my sincere commitment to submit myself at the authority of Nepal, I am landing at 10:00 am from Qatar Airways in the Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu. I have already informed to the Police Authority in written about my submission at will.

I have also made humble request to the authority for the presence of my lawful attorney Saroj Krishna Ghimire ( Advocate) during the process of my submission to police authority to ensure my safety and security. I will fully cooperate in all stages of investigation and will fight legal battle to prove my innocence. Let the justice prevail," he added.

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Lamichhane is Nepal's most successful cricketer and is the only player from the country to have featured in the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL). He was bought by Delhi Capitals during the IPL auction in 2018 and spent two seasons with the franchise before being released.

Lamichhane has since been a T20 globe-trotter and has represented several T20 franchises in competitions across the globe. The 22-year-old has played 32 ODIs and 44 T20Is for Nepal in his international career so far and has a total of 154 wickets across both formats.

Nepal cricket team star Sandeep Lamichhane has been sent to seven-day police remand for further investigation in the rape case against him. The former Nepal cricket team captain has been accused of raping a minor in a hotel in the country.

Nepal cricket team star Sandeep Lamichhane has been sent to seven-day police remand for further investigation in the rape case against him. The former Nepal cricket team captain has been accused of raping a minor in a hotel in the country. The Kathmandu District Court sent him into police custody on Monday. The victim had filed a complaint against the Nepal cricketer following which he had to pull out of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) last month. An arrest warrant was later issued by a Nepal court against the cricketer as he failed to report back to the country in time for the legal proceedings. Following the arrest warrant, Lamichhane, who is Nepal's most sought-after cricketer at present, was sacked as the captain of the Nepal cricket team and was also suspended from representing the country in any form of cricket. The Kathmandu District Court can grant up to 25 days time from his arrest for the investigation of the case before filing a criminal case against the cricketer. Also Read: 'Hard to surpass him': Australia legend Ian Chappell picks Virat Kohli as best Test batter of this generation Earlier this month, Lamichhane had taken to social media to continue to deny the allegations levelled against him. He expressed faith in Nepal's judicial system and said he is looking forward to cooperating with the officials in the case to ensure he can prove his innocence and return to playing cricket as soon as possible. "Your support, faith, trust and your critical remarks are what I have taken as my assets, motivation and strength. I know I am facing a difficult time of conspiracy and wrongful allegation and the ramification of its effect is something unimaginable. I am sure there must be some mechanism of compensating to the accused who proven to be innocent in our legal system. I will soon seek legal support against wrongful prosecution and allegation made against me and I am sure I will get the justice and will return to the cricket ground soon to make the name and fame of my beloved country and I pray for speedy trial," Lamichhane said. "As per my sincere commitment to submit myself at the authority of Nepal, I am landing at 10:00 am from Qatar Airways in the Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu. I have already informed to the Police Authority in written about my submission at will. I have also made humble request to the authority for the presence of my lawful attorney Saroj Krishna Ghimire ( Advocate) during the process of my submission to police authority to ensure my safety and security. I will fully cooperate in all stages of investigation and will fight legal battle to prove my innocence. Let the justice prevail," he added. Also Read: 'Bullshitting about spirit of the game...': Ex-India pacer slams Buttler for not appealing against Wade Lamichhane is Nepal's most successful cricketer and is the only player from the country to have featured in the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL). He was bought by Delhi Capitals during the IPL auction in 2018 and spent two seasons with the franchise before being released. Lamichhane has since been a T20 globe-trotter and has represented several T20 franchises in competitions across the globe. The 22-year-old has played 32 ODIs and 44 T20Is for Nepal in his international career so far and has a total of 154 wickets across both formats.

Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane sent to 7-day police remand over rape allegations

Nepal cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane has confirmed he will be returning to his country next week to fight the rape allegations levelled against him. Lamichhane has been accused of raping a minor in a hotel room in Kathmandu. The victim had launched a complaint against him last month following which a Nepal court issued a warrant against&nbsp;Lamichhane.

Nepal Cricket removed the star leg-spinner as the captain of the national team after the allegations surfaced and he was also suspended with immediate effect.&nbsp;Lamichhane was playing in the Caribbean Premier League at the time a complaint was filed against him and had vowed to return home after pulling out of the tournament.

However, the leg-spinner later claimed he had to delay his return to the country as he was not in the right mental and physical space after the allegations levelled against him. Nepal police, meanwhile, sought the help of Interpol to trace the star cricketer amid his failure to report back to the country after the arrest warrant against him.

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However, Lamichhane has now said he will be arriving in Nepal on Thursday (October 06) and will surrender to the authorities. The Nepal cricket team star reiterated he is innocent and vowed to fight a legal battle against the allegations.

"With great hope and strength, I hereby confirm that I am reaching to my home country, Nepal on this 6th October 2022 and will submit myself to the authority of Nepal to fight a legal battle against false allegation," Lamicchane said in a Facebook post.

"I hereby reiterate that I am INNOCENT and I have complete non-shaken faith in justice system. I firmly believe over all the law enforcement authorities and honorable courts on their fair trial and adjudication and I am just hopeful to get justice at the earliest.

My dear well wishers I assure you all that I am innocent and I have not wronged you. I have recovered from unpleasant situation I went through and I have prepared myself to go through this ordeal to prove myself innocent and victim of conspiracy. I am sure all wrongful allegation charged against me will be unfolded by the span of time," he added.

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Lamichhane is one of the most sought-after cricketers in Nepal having tasted decent success in T20 leagues around the world. He was the first Nepalese player to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after he was picked up by Delhi Capitals at the IPL auction in 2018.

However, he didn't get many chances with the team and was released by the Capitals after playing nine matches across two seasons, picking up 13 wickets. The 22-year-old has played 30 ODIs and 44 T20Is in his international career so far.

Nepal cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane has confirmed he will be returning to his country next week to fight the rape allegations levelled against him. Lamichhane has been accused of raping a minor in a hotel room in Kathmandu.

Nepal cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane has confirmed he will be returning to his country next week to fight the rape allegations levelled against him. Lamichhane has been accused of raping a minor in a hotel room in Kathmandu. The victim had launched a complaint against him last month following which a Nepal court issued a warrant against Lamichhane. Nepal Cricket removed the star leg-spinner as the captain of the national team after the allegations surfaced and he was also suspended with immediate effect. Lamichhane was playing in the Caribbean Premier League at the time a complaint was filed against him and had vowed to return home after pulling out of the tournament. However, the leg-spinner later claimed he had to delay his return to the country as he was not in the right mental and physical space after the allegations levelled against him. Nepal police, meanwhile, sought the help of Interpol to trace the star cricketer amid his failure to report back to the country after the arrest warrant against him. Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah not ruled out of T20 World Cup 2022 yet, says BCCI president Sourav Ganguly However, Lamichhane has now said he will be arriving in Nepal on Thursday (October 06) and will surrender to the authorities. The Nepal cricket team star reiterated he is innocent and vowed to fight a legal battle against the allegations. "With great hope and strength, I hereby confirm that I am reaching to my home country, Nepal on this 6th October 2022 and will submit myself to the authority of Nepal to fight a legal battle against false allegation," Lamicchane said in a Facebook post. "I hereby reiterate that I am INNOCENT and I have complete non-shaken faith in justice system. I firmly believe over all the law enforcement authorities and honorable courts on their fair trial and adjudication and I am just hopeful to get justice at the earliest. My dear well wishers I assure you all that I am innocent and I have not wronged you. I have recovered from unpleasant situation I went through and I have prepared myself to go through this ordeal to prove myself innocent and victim of conspiracy. I am sure all wrongful allegation charged against me will be unfolded by the span of time," he added. Also Read: MS Dhoni tries his hand at golf along with Kapil Dev, video goes viral - Watch Lamichhane is one of the most sought-after cricketers in Nepal having tasted decent success in T20 leagues around the world. He was the first Nepalese player to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after he was picked up by Delhi Capitals at the IPL auction in 2018. However, he didn't get many chances with the team and was released by the Capitals after playing nine matches across two seasons, picking up 13 wickets. The 22-year-old has played 30 ODIs and 44 T20Is in his international career so far.

Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane to surrender to authorities and fight against rape allegations

Nepal police have sought the help of Interpol to find the country's fugitive cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane. The suspended Nepal cricket team captain was accused of rape by a 17-year-old following which a Nepal court issued an arrest warrant against him earlier this month.

However, Lamichhane has failed to return back home for the investigation and has remained silent about his whereabouts so far. He was playing in the Caribbean Premier League when the arrest warrant was issued against him. The suspended Nepal cricket team skipper took to social media to announce he had decided to pull out of the tournament and will return home soon.

However, Lamichhane has failed to return home in time which has led the Nepal police to seek Interpol's help in locating him. The leg-spinner is said to have remained in the Caribbean after pulling out of the tournament. After the Nepal police's request, Interpol issued a 'diffusion' notice against the fugitive cricketer on Sunday urging member nations to help in locating him.

"We hope this will help the arrest of Lamichhane for the investigation of a rape complaint case against him," Nepal&nbsp;police spokesperson Tek Prasad Rai was quoted as saying by AFP.

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On Sunday, Lamichhane had taken to Facebook to voe that he will soon return to Nepal in order to fight the allegations levelled against him. Explaining the delay in his return back home, the 22-year-old had said he is in isolation following the arrest warrant which took a toll on him physically and mentally.

Lamichhane rose to fame in 2018 when he became Nepal's first cricketer to bag a contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was roped in by Delhi Capitals and spent two seasons with the team before being released. He has since been a T20 globetrotter and continues to ply his trade in different franchise leagues across the world.

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He was suspended as the captain of the Nepal cricket team after an arrest warrant was issued against him following the rape allegations. Lamicchane has so far played 30 ODIs and 44 T20Is for Nepal and has a total of 154 wickets to his name in the two formats combined.

Nepal police have sought the help of Interpol to find the country's fugitive cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane. The suspended Nepal cricket team captain was accused of rape by a 17-year-old following which a Nepal court issued an arrest warrant against him earlier this month.

Nepal police have sought the help of Interpol to find the country's fugitive cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane. The suspended Nepal cricket team captain was accused of rape by a 17-year-old following which a Nepal court issued an arrest warrant against him earlier this month. However, Lamichhane has failed to return back home for the investigation and has remained silent about his whereabouts so far. He was playing in the Caribbean Premier League when the arrest warrant was issued against him. The suspended Nepal cricket team skipper took to social media to announce he had decided to pull out of the tournament and will return home soon. However, Lamichhane has failed to return home in time which has led the Nepal police to seek Interpol's help in locating him. The leg-spinner is said to have remained in the Caribbean after pulling out of the tournament. After the Nepal police's request, Interpol issued a 'diffusion' notice against the fugitive cricketer on Sunday urging member nations to help in locating him. "We hope this will help the arrest of Lamichhane for the investigation of a rape complaint case against him," Nepal police spokesperson Tek Prasad Rai was quoted as saying by AFP. Also Read: Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane vows to return home to fight rape claim On Sunday, Lamichhane had taken to Facebook to voe that he will soon return to Nepal in order to fight the allegations levelled against him. Explaining the delay in his return back home, the 22-year-old had said he is in isolation following the arrest warrant which took a toll on him physically and mentally. Lamichhane rose to fame in 2018 when he became Nepal's first cricketer to bag a contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was roped in by Delhi Capitals and spent two seasons with the team before being released. He has since been a T20 globetrotter and continues to ply his trade in different franchise leagues across the world. Also Read: 'I'll stay in my crease from now on' - Charlie Dean reacts to her run-out dismissal by Deepti Sharma He was suspended as the captain of the Nepal cricket team after an arrest warrant was issued against him following the rape allegations. Lamicchane has so far played 30 ODIs and 44 T20Is for Nepal and has a total of 154 wickets to his name in the two formats combined.

Nepal seeks Interpol's help to find fugitive cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane amid rape allegations

Nepali cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane defended failing to return home to face rape allegations almost three weeks after an arrest warrant, saying he intends to do so "as soon as possible".

A Nepali court issued the warrant on September 8 following an allegation by a 17-year-old girl, but Lamichhane is thought to have remained in the Caribbean, where he was playing in a tournament.

With police believed to be preparing to file an arrest warrant with Interpol, Lamichhane on Sunday issued a statement on social media reiterating that the claims against him were baseless.

"News of the arrest warrant issued against me... made me mentally disturbed. I could not think what to do and what not to do," he wrote.

"My health condition is gradually improving and I am planning to return to Nepal as soon as possible to vehemently fight back (against the allegations)."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-surpasses-virat-kohli-to-become-indias-second-most-successful-t20i-captain-519695">Rohit Sharma surpasses Virat Kohli to become India's second-most successful T20I captain</a>

Lamichhane, 22, had been a poster boy for the rise of cricket in mountainous Nepal,&nbsp;which gained one-day international status in 2018. The leg spinner's big break came when he was snapped up by the Delhi Capitals for the money-spinning Indian Premier League in 2018, and he has since been Nepal's most sought-after cricketer.

After the arrest warrant he was suspended as captain of the national team and the player pulled out of the Caribbean Premier League, where he was playing for Jamaica Tallawahs.

The social media post did not reveal his whereabouts but he is believed to still be in the Caribbean. The teenage girl, along with her guardian, filed a complaint against the player earlier this month, alleging that he raped her in a Kathmandu hotel room in August.

Police official Bharat Bohora on Monday declined to comment on Lamichhane's latest comments, saying that investigators have had no contact with the cricketer.

"The police is investigating the rape complaint filed against Sandeep Lamichhane. The investigation is on a preliminary stage," Bohora told AFP.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-rahane-opens-up-on-asking-yashasvi-jaiswal-to-leave-the-field-during-duleep-trophy-final-519706">Ajinkya Rahane opens up on asking Yashasvi Jaiswal to leave the field during Duleep Trophy final</a>

The accusations against the cricketer come after popular Nepali actor Paul Shah was sentenced to two and a half years in prison this month for sexual misconduct with a minor.&nbsp;

About 2,300 rape cases were reported in Nepal in the last fiscal year, according to police, but rights workers say many more assaults go unreported.

Only a handful of women in Nepal spoke out during the #MeToo movement, and the accused have faced little or no repercussions over the allegations.

In May, hundreds protested in Kathmandu for tougher laws and enforcement in cases of sexual violence after an aspiring model posted a series of TikTok videos detailing abuse when she was a teenager.

Nepali cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane defended failing to return home to face rape allegations almost three weeks after an arrest warrant, saying he intends to do so "as soon as possible".

Nepali cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane defended failing to return home to face rape allegations almost three weeks after an arrest warrant, saying he intends to do so "as soon as possible". A Nepali court issued the warrant on September 8 following an allegation by a 17-year-old girl, but Lamichhane is thought to have remained in the Caribbean, where he was playing in a tournament. With police believed to be preparing to file an arrest warrant with Interpol, Lamichhane on Sunday issued a statement on social media reiterating that the claims against him were baseless. "News of the arrest warrant issued against me... made me mentally disturbed. I could not think what to do and what not to do," he wrote. "My health condition is gradually improving and I am planning to return to Nepal as soon as possible to vehemently fight back (against the allegations)." Also Read: Rohit Sharma surpasses Virat Kohli to become India's second-most successful T20I captain Lamichhane, 22, had been a poster boy for the rise of cricket in mountainous Nepal, which gained one-day international status in 2018. The leg spinner's big break came when he was snapped up by the Delhi Capitals for the money-spinning Indian Premier League in 2018, and he has since been Nepal's most sought-after cricketer. After the arrest warrant he was suspended as captain of the national team and the player pulled out of the Caribbean Premier League, where he was playing for Jamaica Tallawahs. The social media post did not reveal his whereabouts but he is believed to still be in the Caribbean. The teenage girl, along with her guardian, filed a complaint against the player earlier this month, alleging that he raped her in a Kathmandu hotel room in August. Police official Bharat Bohora on Monday declined to comment on Lamichhane's latest comments, saying that investigators have had no contact with the cricketer. "The police is investigating the rape complaint filed against Sandeep Lamichhane. The investigation is on a preliminary stage," Bohora told AFP. Also Read: Ajinkya Rahane opens up on asking Yashasvi Jaiswal to leave the field during Duleep Trophy final The accusations against the cricketer come after popular Nepali actor Paul Shah was sentenced to two and a half years in prison this month for sexual misconduct with a minor. About 2,300 rape cases were reported in Nepal in the last fiscal year, according to police, but rights workers say many more assaults go unreported. Only a handful of women in Nepal spoke out during the #MeToo movement, and the accused have faced little or no repercussions over the allegations. In May, hundreds protested in Kathmandu for tougher laws and enforcement in cases of sexual violence after an aspiring model posted a series of TikTok videos detailing abuse when she was a teenager.

Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane vows to return home to fight rape claim