Nepal’s cricket squad on Tuesday headed to Pakistan for the ODI Asia Cup with out its star spin bowler, who should keep residence to face trial for alleged rape, officers stated. Sandeep Lamichhane, 23, was as soon as the poster boy for the rise of cricket in Nepal, however he’s accused of raping a 17-year-old lady in a Kathmandu lodge room in August final yr. Lamichhane denies all wrongdoing.

“Since there is a case against him sub judice at the court, he is not going with us now — he also has some health issues,” Pradeep Majgaiyan, supervisor of the Cricket Association of Nepal, instructed reporters forward of the crew’s departure.

Lamichhane should attend the most recent listening to within the case on Sunday, and Majgaiyan stated it was hoped he would be capable of later be part of the squad for the event. The six-nation ODI Asia Cup is scheduled from August 30 to September 17 in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with cricketing minnows Nepal seen because the outsiders.

“There are still some days left for the match to begin, so there are still chances that he will join later,” Majgaiyan added. Last yr, Lamichhane was suspended as nationwide captain and arrested, however was freed on bail in January and Nepal then lifted his ban on enjoying.

Under his bail circumstances, Lamichhane has been in a position to journey overseas, together with to Zimbabwe for the World Cup qualifiers. Nepal did not make the reduce for the 50-over showpiece occasion in India in October. Skipper Rohit Paudel stated Lamichhane nonetheless had his place on the squad.

“It has not been finalised yet that he would not play,” Paudel instructed a press convention. “We are hopeful that he will play — he is really an impactful and big player for our team. He has helped win several matches for us. So, we hope he will join us later.”

Nepal open the event dealing with hosts Pakistan on August 30 at Multan. A win at their debut Asia Cup could be a dream for the cricket-mad South Asian nation, whose facet will compete in opposition to prime nations together with India and Pakistan.