Sandeep Lamichhane aims for BBL comeback after legal challenges
Nepal spinner Sandeep Lamichhane is eyeing a Big Bash League return after missing out on the last three editions of the tournament. Following his denial to play in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the United States of America, the Nepalese player has nominated himself for the BBL draft this season.
He was found guilty of sexual misconduct and sentenced to eight years of jail in January this year. Four months later, he was acquitted of the crime after a Nepal Court’s appeal overturned the decision.However, it is understood that none of the BBL teams are currently interested in Lamichhane, and his repeated denial of a US visa during the T20 World Cup stirred a sense of breach in the clubs' integrity guidelines.Among 434 players listed in Sunday’s draft, the BBL teams have faced a dilemma due to most players' non-participation throughout the competition. More than 50 players are available for 6-9 games while 33 of them will be able to commit for four to six matches. Players like Dawid Malan, Mark Chapman, and Ish Sodhi, among others are available only for one to three games.With the BBL set to clash with other franchise tournaments such as SA20, ILT20, BPL and major International fixtures, each franchise owner has a tough task ahead of them on Sunday.