Africa-Press – Namibia. NEPALESE protesters have urged Namibia to boycott the upcoming game against their country over the Cricket Association of Nepal’s decision to include rape-accused player Sandeep Lamichhane in their team.
Nepal is set to host the ICC World Cup League 2 triangular series featuring Namibia and Scotland in Kirtipur from 14 to 21 February.
Lamichhane is under police investigation for allegedly raping a minor on 21 August last year. He posted bail on 13 January.
Calls to boycott the games arose after Lamichhane was named in the Nepal practice team for the Tri-series, Indian online publication The Print reported on Sunday.
Protesters have taken to social media en-masse to air their disapproval.
The Namibian Sport established that Cricket Namibia’s hierarchy will deliberate on the issue today.
“Hello, Cricket Scotland @CSMOA_ and Cricket Namibia @CricketNamibia1, could you please boycott the game with Nepal.
Our team includes a rape-accused player named Sandip Lamichhane. @CricketNep,” said Twitter user @RameshBhusal.
Lamichhane faces 10-12 years in prison if convicted.
The national cricket governing body, the Cricket Association of Nepal, lifted the suspension imposed on the 22-year-old cricketer through its executive committee meeting last week before including him in the 20-member national team camp announced on Thursday.
The association had suspended him on 8 September after a district court issued an arrest warrant.
“Disappointment, rage and anger is all I have and these are actually very sad things to feel when there’s such an idiotic action from a national association to such a sensitive issue. #BoyCottCAN,” tweeted @Prasansha27.
“I am a supporter of Nepali cricket, I used to go and watch all the games played by Nepal in Nepal. But due to the decision to include the rape accused of #CAN in the team, this time I have reached the point where I will not watch it on the field or even on TV or on the scoreboard.
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