Rape-accused cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane will fly to Pakistan on Monday to join his teammates for the Asia Cup 2023.

The 23-year-old Nepal spinner has been accused of raping a 17-year-old minor in August last year.

He was scheduled to go under trial at Kathmandu District Court on Sunday but the hearing was deferred until September 7, according to the court.

“Sandeep will head to Multan via Qatar Airlines at 11:20 on Monday morning,” Durga Raj Pathak, acting secretary at Cricket Association of Nepal, said.

Lamichhane’s teammates had reached Pakistan on Wednesday.

Nepal are scheduled to play Pakistan in the inaugural match of the Asia Cup on Wednesday before clashing against India on September 4.

Lamichhane, who was stripped of national captaincy following an arrest warrant, was detained from Tribhuvan International Airport in October but was released on bail.

Lamichhane had also travelled to Zimbabwe to play in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

Pakistan are co-hosting the six-team 50-over tournament with Sri Lanka. Four matches will be played in Pakistan while Sri Lanka will host the remaining nine matches including the final.

Nepal are pitted against India and Pakistan in Group A. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are in Group B.