Cricket star jailed for eight years
Sandeep Lamichhane, Nepal's highest-profile cricketer and a well-known figure in international T20 leagues, has been sentenced to eight years in prison by a court in Nepal.
The 23-year-old leg spinner, who has played for both the Hobart Hurricanes and the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL), was convicted of raping an 18-year-old woman in an incident that occurred on August 21, 2022.
After the Kathmandu district court found Lamichhane guilty of rape last month, the sentence was officially announced on Wednesday. Lamichhane's lawyer stated that they would launch a higher court appeal, expressing dissatisfaction with the court's decision.
Saroj Ghimire, Lamichhane's legal representative, told Reuters, "We are not convinced about the decision of the court ... The court has whimsically declared Sandeep to be a convict. Sandeep will go to the higher court for justice."
The court not only sentenced Lamichhane to eight years in prison but also imposed a fine and ordered him to pay compensation of approximately $5,630 to the victim, whose identity remains confidential. The legal repercussions are severe, signalling a significant downfall for the cricketer who was once the face of Nepali cricket.
Lamichhane's cricket career, which took him to prestigious T20 leagues in Australia, India, Pakistan and the West Indies, has come to a screeching halt. The leg spinner, who had been suspended as Nepal's captain and taken into custody after an arrest warrant was issued, was released on bail during the court proceedings.
The victim reported the sexual assault in August 2022, leading to Lamichhane's arrest – but despite the legal proceedings, the cricketer was permitted to continue playing matches, causing controversy and drawing criticism from various quarters.
Lamichhane's return to the cricket field in February last year was met with cheers from fans, but it also ignited anger among Nepalis who disavowed the national team due to his involvement. During an international tournament in Dubai, Scotland's cricketers refused to shake hands with Lamichhane
Lamichhane's fall from grace serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability, even for high-profile individuals in the world of sports. The legal battle may continue with the planned higher court appeal, but the conviction and sentencing mark a significant chapter in the downfall of a once-celebrated cricketer.
Images: Getty