KATHMANDU, July 16

Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) today terminated the contract of national team physio Dr Aijaz Ashai after he was accused of sexual assault during the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers in Ireland.

Ashai, who was with the team since Nepali team’s tour of Dharamashala — facilitated by Board of Control for Cricket in India — was arrested by the Irish police from La Mon Hotel with a charge of molesting a female masseuse and was later release on bail. Acting General Secretary of CAN, Uttam Karmacharya said Ashai’s contract was terminated with immediate effect. “As Ashai has been charged with molestation, we have decided to discontinue with the physio from today,” Karmacharya added in a release.

The court heard that seeing the masseuse in distress later, he apologised with her in front of a hotel manager and offered a £10 tip, which was refused. Belfast telegraph reported: “Deputy District Judge Joe Rice said he was unhappy with Dr Ashai staying at a hotel which had leisure facilities, for the risk of further offending. The accuser’s lawyer then agreed to a bail address at the Strangford Arms Hotel in Newtownards, within walking distance to the court and the police station. Judge Rice gave Dr Ashai bail for £2,500, on the condition the Nepal team lodge a cash surety, that he reside at Strangford Arms, make no contact with witnesses, report to police three times a week and give up his passport. The matter was adjourned to August 12.”

Dr Ashai is one of the best-known sports physiotherapists in India who has worked with a number of the country’s top cricketing stars. His website describes him as “an expert in the field of advanced physiotherapy. He is also a physical trainer, a personal instructor, writer and sportsman.” It continues: “He is a renowned sports physiotherapist who is currently the head physio for the Indian rugby team and the West Zone Deodar Trophy cricket team. Dr Ashai is the Head of Department, Advanced Physiotherapy in Ortho, Neuro and Sports Rehabilitation in Saifee Hospital, Mumbai. Dr Ashai also runs his own fitness and sports rehabilitation centre.”