Nepali cricket team physio arrested on molestation charge

KATHMANDU: Dr Aijaz Bashir Ashai, a Physiotherapist of the Nepali national cricket team has been apprehended for allegedly molesting a female masseuse in Ireland.

According to the Belfast Telegraph, the incident is alleged to have occurred in La Mon Hotel and Country House on Tuesday this week where the Nepali team is staying during the Twenty20 Qualifiers.

Ashai was produced before the Ards Magistrates Court yesterday after spending a night in custody, the Belfast Telegraph added.

A constable told the court that the masseuse alleged that Dr Ashai, of Thakur Village, East Mumbai, India, had asked for a full body massage, and despite having been instructed to wear underpants, he attended without them.

Later, Dr Ashai admitted that he attended the massage, but denied that he grabbed the masseuse's hands, or that he was aroused during treatment.

It added that he  apologised to the masseuse, in front of a hotel manager, noting she was in distress, and offered a £10 tip, which was refused.

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.

He is also a physical trainer, a personal instructor, writer and sportsman.

Dr Ashai is a renowned sports physiotherapist who is currently the head of physio for the Indian rugby team and the West Zone Deodar Trophy cricket team.

CAN removes Dr Ashai from job

Meanwhile, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) removed Dr Ashai from his job.

According to a statement issued by CAN Secretary Uttam Kumar Karmacharya today, the cricket governing body has removed Dr Ashai from the position effective from today and all coordination with him has been ended.