Image Source: Getty Images
[Saba Sports News] Sandeep Lamichhane, an emerging talent from Nepal, garnered significant international attention, a rare feat for a player from an associate nation. However, his career was marred by controversy when he was accused of raping a young woman. In 2022, he was found guilty and sentenced to eight years in prison but was acquitted in May 2024.
In an exclusive interview with CricTracker, Nepal’s coach Monty Desai discussed the media trial Lamichhane endured throughout the controversy. Desai mentioned the team suffered due to Lamichhane’s unavailability during the T20 World Cup 2024.
“When we talk about cricket, we are also talking about people. Seeing these players closely, I know what they go through. Whether what happened was right or wrong, I am not supposed to answer that. Even when we brought him into the team last year, it was lawfully and legally done. Losing him again, then waiting for the verdict, was frustrating,” Desai said.
He added, “We were excited about having him from day one for our World Cup campaign, which didn’t happen. Many people rush to be the first to break news. What people don’t realize is that they speak out of frustration, not just the media, but fans too. It’s not good. Emotions serve a purpose, but the question is: what purpose?”
Monty Desai has an impressive coaching portfolio. He has served as Head Coach for Canada and Nepal and as a batting coach for Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates. Desai joined the West Indies as a batting coach in 2019 and served until 2022. He has also worked in the IPL with Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Lions as a performance coach and talent scout.