Demonstration against Lamichhane’s inclusion in National Cricket Team

There has been a protest denouncing the decision of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) to include rape-accused cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane in the national team camp.

Youths on Saturday staged a protest at Maitighar Mandala against the cricket governing body.

The protestors protested by holding placards with slogans such as ‘Are we safe’, ‘Rape-accused can’t have a place in my national team’ among others.

CAN, on Thursday had announced a 20-member squad for the second round of closed training on Thursday evening in which Lamichhane has also been included.

Nepal is playing a triangular series with Namibia and Scotland under the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two. This series will take place from February 14-21 at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground.

CAN has been been facing widespread criticism for lifting the suspension on Lamichhane prior to the final verdict in the case. Meanwhile, Twitter users in Nepal have started a campaign using the hashtag #BoycottCAN against the Cricket Association of Nepal’s decision to include the rape-accused Lamichhane in the national team preparing for the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2.

The cricket governing body had suspended Lamichhane after Kathmandu District Court issued an arrest warrant against him on charge of raping a minor on August 21.

A 17-year-old girl filed a rape case against Lamichhane on September 6, accusing him of raping her twice on August 5. Lamichhane was initially sent to judicial custody by the Kathmandu District Court but was released on bail by the Patan High Court on January 12.

Lamichhane on Wednesday met Monti Desai, who has been overseeing the training since Sunday.