Sandeep Lamichhane appeals against court's decision in rape conviction case

Former Nepalese cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane finds himself entangled in a legal battle, appealing against an eight-year prison sentence for rape. Once greeted as a cricketing hero in Nepal, now he finds himself fighting to overturn his conviction, as he has officially filed an appeal against the court's decision that went against the cricketer.

In December, Lamichhane was convicted of raping a girl, a verdict that bewildered Nepal's cricketing community. Despite the sentencing, Lamichhane's lawyer, Saroj Ghimire, confirmed that an appeal against the court's decision has been lodged, providing a glimmer of hope for the convict.

“We have filed an appeal against the court’s decision,” lawyer Ghimire told AFP.

Following the sentencing, the cricketer faced imprisonment. However, he has been granted permission to remain out of custody while the appeal is being heard, a development disclosed by Ghimire. This decision allows Lamichhane to continue his legal battle without immediate custody.

The spinner's journey from cricketing success to legal turmoil has been shattering. Once revered as Nepal's cricketing icon, his path has veered into a realm of legal challenges, casting a dark shadow over his past accomplishments. 

Despite an arrest warrant issued in 2022, Lamichhane stayed abroad playing the Caribbean Premier League, prompting his removal as national captain upon his return. After being removed as the captain, the 23-year-old was still allowed to play after he was freed on bail. He also featured for the team at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifiers and the Asia Cup 2023, which took place in Zimbabwe and Pakistan & Sri Lanka, respectively.

Previously, Lamichhane has been a part of the Indian Premier League in 2018. Bought by Delhi Capitals, he became the first cricketer from Nepal to feature in the marquee league. Furthermore, he has played 51 ODIs and 52 T20Is for Nepal spanning from 2018 to 2023, and has taken 112 and 98 wickets, respectively. In the IPL, he has played a total of 9 matches, picking 13 wickets.

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