News

Arrest warrant for underaged rape allegations brings suspension for CAN men’s captain Lamichhane

An arrest warrant has been issued for Sandeep Lamichhane, the captain of the Cricket Association of Nepal’s men’s team, for the alleged rape of an underaged 17 year old girl. The alleged rape occured on August 21, just before Nepal’s men’s team flew to Kenya for five T20I and three fifty overs games against the hosts.

According to an article by the Kathmandu Post, Lamicchane met the girl, a fan of his, on social media and began a conversational relationship. Lamichhane then asked the young lady to meet him in Kathmandu, and she obliged. The pair then allegedly traveled via car to Nagarkot, where the accuser asked to be returned to her hostel many times. Finally, upon return, the accuser’s hostile was closed, and so Lamichhane reserved a hotel room for the two of them, where the rape allegedly occurred. 

CAN’s statement was shared via an image instead of easily translatable text.

The police have since reviewed evidence, including CCTV, and decided to issue an arrest warrant for Lamichhane. Following the arrest warrant, the Cricket Association of Nepal suspended Lamichhane immediately and indefinitely. 

Lamichhane maintained his innocence via social media, tweeting “I am INNOCENT & keep complete belief in the respectable laws of Nepal. I have decided to take a leave from CPL and go back to my country within few days. I am ready to face all these baseless allegations. May justice be served to the innocent & right investigation to be done towards everyone involved. Hoe the law acts equal to everyone.” 

According to Nepal’s Civil Crimes, Section 219, Lamichhane would face between 10-12 years behind bars if convincted. 

You’re reading Emerging Cricket — brought to you by a passionate group of volunteers with a vision for cricket to be a truly global sport, and a mission to inspire passion to grow the game.

Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, please subscribe for regular updates, and follow EC on TwitterFacebookLinkedIn and YouTube.

Don’t know where to start? Check out our features listcountry profiles, and subscribe to our podcast.

Support us from US$2 a month — and get exclusive benefits, by becoming an EC Patron.

Nate Hays

Fielding All Rounder, played a lot of baseball. Born in Maryland, lives in North Carolina, not from a ‘cricketing nation'...yet!

Recent Posts

China launches new Shaxi Town Cricket Centre in Taicang

The newest international cricket stadium in China was launched today at the opening of the…

1 day ago

Spain’s National Sports Council recognises cricket as an official sport

Cricket has become an officially recognised sport in Spain for the first time after being…

5 days ago

Brazil make history with first men’s South American Cricket Championship triumph

Following on from the success of the women's team at the end of July in…

1 week ago

Scotland, Netherlands hit back at ICC after Cricket World Cup decision

In an almost unprecedented move, Scotland and The Netherlands have sent a public statement to…

1 week ago

Cricket’s debut at South American Games shelved due to lack of participants

Plans to include cricket at the South American Games for the first time in 2026…

1 week ago

From a School Presentation to Captaining Brazil: Carolina Nascimento and the Rise of Cricket in Brazil

Beautiful beaches, football and amazing food have always been the hallmarks of Brazil, though cricket…

2 weeks ago