In a significant development, Nepal's cricket sensation Sandeep Lamichhane has been declared innocent by the Nepal High Court. With this verdict, Lamichhane is now eligible for selection to represent Nepal in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

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After being handed an 8-year sentence in January, Lamichhane was granted bail in February and appealed his conviction. “We have filed an appeal against the court’s decision,” his lawyer told AFP

Lamichhane's legal troubles began in 2022 when a case was filed against him, leading to his removal as captain of the Nepal cricket team and a ban imposed by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). However, the ban was later overturned, providing a glimmer of hope for Lamichhane's cricketing career.

The clearance by the High Court comes as a relief for Lamichhane and his supporters, ending a period of uncertainty surrounding his availability for international cricket.. Lamichhane, one of Nepal's most impressive players in the Twenty20 format. 

Nepal's T20 World Cup 2024 squad already announced in earlier, led by Rohit Paudel, may undergo changes ahead of the tournament, as per ICC regulations allowing adjustments until May 25. This opens up the possibility for additional players like Sandeep Lamichhane to feature in the squad representing their nation.

Nepal squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee.