Sandeep Lamichhane, who still has some public backing, is slated to play against Namibia in the Nepal Tri-series...
Digital Desk: Nepali cricket supporters are divided up over whether to support the national side as it prepares to face Namibia in the Triangular Series of the ICC World Cup League 2 on home soil on Tuesday.
Nepali cricket is not only recognised for off-field controversies such as spot-fixing and suspension by the International Cricket Council, but also for fans' unwavering support for the national squad.
The presence of thousands of roaring home fans has always intrigued Nepal's opponents playing at the TU field, where Nepal is hosting the Tri-Series.
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), Nepal's cricket regulatory body, also appears far too keen to reinstate Lamichhane on the national side. Lamichhane was included in ten images uploaded on CAN's official Facebook page from Sunday's training session.
Nepali supporters and the general public have spoken out against the CAN's decision to include him in the final 14-man team. Some, however, have welcomed it. On February 4, two days after Lamichhane was recruited into the 20-member closed camp, there were angry reactions on social media as well as street rallies.
According to Tribhuvan University professor Sanjeev Uprety, Lamichhane's membership in the team will set a dangerous precedent in society. "He should not have been included in the national team because he is facing such a serious accusation and the issue is still under investigation," Uprety added.
Lamichhane's presence in the team was viewed as terrible by women's rights campaigner Hima Bista. "It appears that the CAN is determined to reject public feeling and assert its supremacy," Bista remarked.
According to Prachand Sharma, the National Sports Council's director of training and coaching, the CAN acted in hurry. "Although it is a technical issue, it was irresponsible of the body to select him in the final squad while a case against him is still being heard in court," Sharma added.
Meanwhile, the Facebook page Nepali Sports Info has urged fans to support Lamichhane by joining Nepal's match against Namibia. "Let's make the crowd on the TU Ground support Sandeep Lamichhane and Nepal."
As of Monday afternoon, the post has 3,800 likes and 49 shares.
However, not everyone supports rape suspect Lamichhane. A good number of Nepali Twitter users have been outspoken in their opposition to Lamichhane's selection, even urging Namibia and Scotland to boycott the series. @RealRakshya, a Twitter user, wrote: "Who is cheering? A minor accused of rape? @CricketNep You should be ashamed. Show some class and boycott the CWC League II, @ICC, @CricketScotland, and @CricketNamibia1. The entire world is watching you. Cricket is no longer a gentlemen's sport #BoycottCAN #Shame"
The cricket governing body named a preliminary roster of 28 players for the Nepal Tri-Series of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 last week.
The Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground will host Namibia and Scotland. The tri-series is set to take place from February 14 to February 21.
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