KATHMANDU: Nepal national cricket team's star legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane remained doubtful for the Asia Cup.
Lamichhane did not fly to Pakistan with the team on Tuesday and Cricket Association of Nepal tried to justify his absence saying the bowler was not feeling well. Skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel and head coach Monty Desai said they were hopeful of Lamichhane's arrival in Pakistan before the match.
"He is not out of the squad yet and we will try our best to get him on time," said Paudel. Coach Desai said Lamichhane was a key member in the squad.
"He is a champion bowler and a key member of the team. We are hopeful that he will join the squad in Pakistan," Desai said. Team manager Pradeep Majgaiyan said Lamichhane was not match-fit for now, the bowler was spotted roaming around in the team hotel.
When asked about his health, Lamichhane said that he was fit and fine. "I just came to know from CAN officials that I am ill. They should have informed me before circulating it to the media," he said. Lamichhane is facing a trial on rape charge and final verdict is expected on Sunday.
A version of this article appears in the print on August 23, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
