Asia Cup 2023: Nepal announce Asia Cup squad as star player misses out

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Nepal have announced their squad for the Asia Cup 2023 on Tuesday (August 22) as they take part in their maiden continental affair in the 50-over format.

And as Nepal announced their squad, star player Sandeep Lamichhane is included but the player hasn't travelled to Pakistan with the team. The poster boy of Nepal cricket will have to stay at home as he undergoes trial for alleged rape.

The 23-year-old has denied all the charges but he will have to stay in the country as the prosecution will start in the coming weeks. And a Nepal cricket official also confirmed that the player also has some health issues.

"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, manager of the Cricket Association of Nepal said to media ahead of team's departure to Pakistan.

The six-nation ODI Asia Cup is scheduled from August 30 to September 17 in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Despite being considered as underdogs in cricket, Nepal remains hopeful as there are still days left before the matches begin and there are chances that Lamichhane may join them later.

Last year, Lamichhane was suspended as national captain and arrested but was released on bail in January. Nepal subsequently lifted his ban on playing.

Under his bail conditions, Lamichhane has been allowed to travel abroad for cricket tournaments. Despite the ongoing case, skipper Rohit Paudel stated that Lamichhane still holds a place in the squad.

"It has not been finalised yet that he would not play," Paudel said in a press conference.

"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 Squad for Asia Cup 2023

Kushal Bhurtel, Bhim Sarki, Sundeep Jora, Rohit Paudel (C), Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Kushal Malla, Aarif Sheikh, Pratis GC, Arjun Saud, Aasif Sheikh, Karan KC, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane