The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced that leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane was suspended for the final two matches of the historic T20I Series against West Indies, held in Sharjah, UAE, from Sept 27 to 30. Nepal went on to win the series 2–1.
According to CAN, Lamichhane informed team management just 45 minutes before the start of the opening match on Sept 27 that he would not participate. His sudden decision, the association said, had a “serious impact” on team management, players, and Nepali cricket as a whole.
On the recommendation of the team management, CAN suspended Lamichhane from the remaining two matches of the series. However, it remains unclear whether the suspension applies only to the West Indies series or extends to Nepal’s upcoming fixtures as well.
The association said Nepal’s immediate focus is the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia/EAP Final Qualifier, to be held in Oman from Oct 8 to 17. The national squad of 16 players and full officials has already departed from the UAE to Oman.
CAN expressed gratitude to fans for their continued support and urged them to encourage the team as it prepares for the crucial qualifying tournament.
