As Nepal prepare to take on Namibia in the Triangular Series of the ICC World Cup League 2 beginning on home turf on Tuesday, Nepali cricket fans are sharply divided over whether to support the national team.

At the centre of the controversy is the inclusion of the rape-accused cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane in the 14-member national squad announced on Thursday. The 22-year-old leg spinner, accused of raping a minor on August 21 last year, was freed on bail by Patan High Court on January 13. If the charges against him stand, he will be imprisoned for 10 to 12 years.

Nepali cricket is not only known for its off-field controversies like spot-fixing and suspension by International Cricket Council but also for the unconditional love of fans for the national team. The presence of thousands of roaring home supporters has always fascinated Nepal’s opponents playing at TU ground, the venue where Nepal is hosting the Tri-Series.

Former Netherlands captain Pieter Seelaar was among many foreign players to laud Nepali cricket fans. Following his side’s defeat in the final of the Tri-Nation T20I Series at TU in April 2021, he had said: “We don’t get this type of crowd in the Netherlands. They were passionate… It was amazing to play in front of them. We have been hearing a lot about them before this and it was a great experience,” he had said.

The cricket governing body Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) also seems far too eager to restore Lamichhane in the national team. CAN’s official Facebook page has posted 10 photos from Sunday’s training session that highlight Lamichhane.

A large section of Nepali fans and public have expressed their vocal disapproval of the CAN’s decision to name him in the final 14-member squad. But some have welcomed it. There were some furious reactions on social media as well as street demonstrations on February 4—two days after Lamichhane was inducted in the 20-member closed camp.

Tribhuvan University professor Sanjeev Uprety said that Lamichhane’s inclusion in the team will create a bad precedent in the society. “As he is facing such a grave accusation and the case is still sub judice, he should not have been included in the national team,” said Uprety.

“It is not just about an individual. What kind of a precedent are we setting? It will obviously send a negative message abroad as well,” added Uprety. “Those who wanted to select him should have waited until the court’s final verdict.”

Women rights activist Hima Bista described Lamichhane’s inclusion in the team as unfortunate. “It seems like the CAN is determined to ignore the public sentiments and prove its supremacy,” said Bista.

“In doing so, the country’s cricket governing body is not only trying to normalise gender-based violence but also to institutionalise it. The inclusion of a rape-accused in the national team will also affect a sub judice case. If Nepal wins, he will be applauded all around and even if the team loses he will earn public sympathy as they will say he was playing under mental pressure. The hostility against the survivor will further increase.”

Prachand Sharma, the director of training and coaching department at the National Sports Council, said that the CAN acted in haste. “Although it is a technical issue, it was unwise of the body to include him in the final squad as a case against him is still being considered in a court of law,” said Sharma.

Meanwhile, a Facebook page Nepali Sports Info has urged fans to attend Nepal’s match against Namibia to support Lamichhane. “Let’s make the crowd on the TU Ground supporting Sandeep Lamichhane and Nepal. So it's a humble request to all Nepali cricket fans and followers to go there on 14th February to support them,” reads a post which has got 3,800 likes and 49 shares as of Monday afternoon. However, not all comments are in favour of rape-accused Lamichhane.

A comment by Safal Thapa on the post reads: “Why are you creating so much hype for a rape-accused, let the verdict come first.” Another comment by Dhruba Panthee on the same post read: “Together we can support sandy [Sandeep] and encourage him.”

A large number of Nepali Twitter users have strongly opposed Lamichhane’s inclusion in the team and even urged Namibia and Scotland to boycott the series. A Twitter user @RealRakshya wrote: "Cheering who? A minor’s rape accused? @CricketNep Shame on you. @ICC, @CricketScotland, @CricketNamibia1, show some dignity and boycott the CWC league II. The world is watching you. Cricket is no more a “gentlemen” game. #BoycottCAN #Shame"

Another Twitter user @itsjaisah wrote: "A rape accused of minor’s, who is on bail by depositing Rs. 2 million, has been included in the squad despite continuous protest by civil society in Nepal. Can’t @ACCMedia1 and @ICC question @CricketNep? Where is your ethics?"

A Twitter user @KBS_PG wrote: “To all these Nepali Cricket fans who are happy sandeep is included in team selection, i fear for any women in your family, or even your daughters should you have any. #BoycottCAN.”