Rape-accused former national captain Sandeep Lamichhane has been included in the 14-member final squad of Nepal announced on Thursday for the Triangular Series of ICC World Cup League 2.

Nepal is set to host the Triangular Series involving Namibia and Scotland at the TU cricket ground in Kirtipur from February 14 to 21.

The inclusion of the 22-year-old Lamichhane, accused of raping a minor and released on bail, in the 20-member closed camp had sparked public outrage and even street protests. But he was named in the squad by newly appointed head coach Monty Desai.

Lamichhane, accused of raping a 17-year-old minor on August 21 last year, was released on bail on January 13 by Patan High Court. The Attorney General’s Office on February 3 moved the Supreme Court challenging the High Court’s decision.

An investigation is being conducted against him under Section 219 of the Criminal Code 2074. If the crime against him stands, he will serve a prison term of 10-12 years.

Cricket Association of Nepal executive committee meeting had decided to lift the ban on Lamichhane on January 31 imposed on September 8 last year and was also named in the 20-member closed camp on February 2.

Allrounder Aarif Sheikh was among the notable exclusion from the 20-member camp while left arm orthodox Surya Tamang has been included in the final squad for the first time. Kamal Singh Airee, Kishor Mahato, Pratish GC, Arjun Saud and Mausam Dhakal are other players excluded from the 14-member squad.

Sheikh, GC, Dhakal and Saud are listed as reserves.

Nepali Squad

Rohit Paudel (captain), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Gyanendra Malla, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sundeep Jora, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sandeep Lamichhane, Gulshan Jha, Bhim Sharki, Surya Tamang.