Sandeep Lamichhane awaits court permission to participate in Dubai tri-series

Sandeep Lamichhane's name is missing from Nepal’s provisional 15-member squad, announced for the Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series on February 23. Lamichhane was not selected for the tournament, which also features UAE and PNG, due to travel restrictions imposed on him. However, the situation is expected to change soon as efforts are being made to secure court permission for the cricketer to travel.

As per an ESPNcricinfo report, the court’s decision will be out on Friday, which is also the last day for Nepal to make changes to their squad. The 22-year-old is currently out on bail, facing accusations of sexual coercion. His current bail conditions don’t allow him to travel outside the country.

Nepal will start their campaign in the tri-series on February 27 as they face PNG in their opening encounter. Lamichhane’s importance to the Nepal team was made clear last week as he scalped 13 wickets in four matches of the tri-series against Namibia and Scotland. His stupendous performance helped Nepal win all four matches of the series. Lamichhane picked up three wickets each in the first three games and finished with a four-fer in the final against Scotland.

However, despite performing marvellously on the field, his off-field issues have not spared him as some fans and opponents protested against Lamichhane’s participation in the tri-series. Notably, the Scotland team did not shake hands with Lamichhane after the game, while Namibia chose to bump fists instead of shaking hands after one of their games. The boards of both countries also issued statements ahead of the series, taking their stand against gender-based violence.

Lamichhane is the third-highest wicket-taker in World Cup League 2

Left-arm spinner Surya Tamang, who was included in the 14-member squad for the tri-series at home, has also missed out from this provisional squad. Aarif Sheikh, Pratish GV and Shyam Dhakal, who were all part of the reserves for the series at home, have been called up for the series in Dubai where each team will face the other two teams twice. The action will then move back to Nepal where the three teams will play each other twice each starting from March 9.

Nepal are placed sixth in the seven-team World Cup League 2. Lamichhane is the third-highest wicket-taker of the competition having picked up 55 wickets which is also the most for Nepal.

Squad: Rohit Paudel (capt), Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Bhurtel, Gyanendra Malla, Bhim Sharki, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Aasif Sheikh, Aarif Sheikh, Gulshan Jha, Sundeep Jora, Lalit Rajbanshi, Kushal Malla, Pratis GV, Shyam Dhakal