KATHMANDU: Nep­al’s star spin bowler San­deep Lamichhane, who is free on bail while facing rape charges, has been picked for an upcoming international series, local cricket chiefs announced.

The selection sparked anger among women’s rights activists in Nepal, accu­sing Cricket Assoc­iation of Nepal of “normalising gender-based violence”.

Lamichhane is accused of raping a 17-year-old girl in a Kathmandu hotel room last August.

But the 22-year-old will play at the World Cup League 2 tri-series against Scotland and Namibia, according to CAN. The decision was expected after CAN early this month lifted a suspension against the player, who maintains innocence.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2023