Sandeep Lamichhane allowed to travel abroad for UAE series

The Supreme Court, on February 27, issued an order to lift the travel ban imposed on Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane. As per the order released by Patan High Court on January 12, the cricketer was banned from traveling abroad and was directed to inform the police while leaving Kathmandu. However, the accused was released from custody on January 13 after posting a bail of Rs 2 million. 

Lamichhane, who is currently out on bail, had requested to allow him to participate in the ongoing triangular series of the ICC World Cup League 2, which began on February 27 in UAE. Responding to the cricketer’s petition, a single bench of Justice Ishwor Prasad Khatiwada refused to lift the ban on January 24. Following that, the Attorney General's Office, on January 31, moved to the apex court, challenging the High Court order.

The court then conducted a final hearing on the petitions from Lamichhane and a division bench of Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla and Justice Kumar Chudal ruled in his favour. Lamichhane is facing legal action in a case regarding the sexual coercion of a minor.

As per a report on Kathmandu Post, the minor registered the First Information Report against the cricketer at the Metropolitan Police Circle Gaushala, Kathmandu on September 6 last year. Later the cricketer announced that he would return to Nepal on October 6 to face legal charges. He was arrested by officials at the Department of Immigration and the police personnel when he landed at the airport. 

Meanwhile, Lamichhane's name was missing when Nepal named their squad for CWC Tri-series in UAE. He was initially left out from the 15-member provisional squad before the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) announced the final squad on February 26. However, the latest court ruling means he will now link up with the squad in UAE for the remainder of the tournament.