ICC grants Nepal permission to add Sandeep Lamichhane to T20 World Cup squad

Star Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane has been granted a remarkable opportunity to make a resounding comeback to his international career. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given the green light for Nepal to add the talented leg-spinner to their squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, following his involvement in a highly publicized rape case.

Lamichhane’s world was turned upside down in September 2022 when he was arrested and charged with raping an 18-year-old girl. The allegations devastated the young cricketer, who had rapidly become one of Nepal’s most celebrated sporting icons. Handed an eight-year prison sentence, Lamichhane’s career appeared to be in bits and pieces.

However, a recent ruling by the Patan High Court has dramatically altered the course of events. In a recent verdict, the 23-year-old was cleared of all charges, overturning the previous conviction and financial penalties. The court’s decision paved the way for the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) to lift his suspension, potentially allowing him to represent his nation again.

Also read: Sandeep Lamichhane declared innocent of rape charges; Set to join Nepal for T20 World Cup 2024

Rohit Paudel to lead Nepal side in the T20 World Cup

Looking at the situation, the ICC swiftly responded by granting Nepal permission to include the young cricketer in their T20 World Cup squad. The Nepal-born holds the record for being the quickest bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets and now has a chance to reclaim his place.

CAN has already named their preliminary 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean, and the process to officially add Lamichhane to the roster is currently underway. Nepal is part of Group D alongside South Africa, Sri Lanka, as well as Bangladesh, and the Netherlands.

Also read: Cricket Association of Nepal suspends former captain Sandeep Lamichhane

Nepal’s squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2024:

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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