The top Nepali cricket controversies have consistently made global headlines, highlighting a dramatic push-and-pull between thrilling on-pitch success and fierce off-pitch turmoil. While millions of passionate fans across South Asia cheer on the “Rhinos,” administrative crises, disciplinary rows, and international bans have repeatedly tested the Himalayan nation.
From grassroots tournaments in Kathmandu to marquee fixtures against neighbors like India, the journey has been filled with intense challenges.

Understanding these controversies reveals how administrative turmoil, legal battles, and internal friction nearly derailed one of the fastest-growing cricket stories in modern sports.
The Timeline of Major Shocks in Nepali Cricket
To trace the biggest disruptions in Nepal’s cricketing landscape, look at how these major off-field crises unfolded over time:
| Year | Controversy / Event | Key Entities Involved | Major Consequence |
| 2014 | National Player Boycott | Senior players vs. CAN leadership | Domestic one-day tournament cancelled; demands for player contracts |
| 2016–2019 | ICC Suspension of CAN | ICC, Nepal Government, CAN | Direct ICC oversight; funding frozen; suspension lasted over 3 years |
| 2021 | Contract Grading & Captaincy Stripping | Gyanendra Malla, Sompal Kami, CAN | Malla removed from captaincy; team factionalism exposed |
| 2022–2024 | Sandeep Lamichhane Legal Battle | Sandeep Lamichhane, District & High Court | Suspensions, visa rejections, eventual High Court acquittal |
| 2022–2023 | Nepal T20 League Integrity Scandal | Seven3Sports, CIB, ICC Anti-Corruption | Spot-fixing arrests, delayed wages, foreign organizer vanished |
| 2025–2026 | Selection Transparency & Domestic Clashes | CAN Selectors, Provincial stars, NPL | Public player protests over PM Cup and T20 World Cup selection |
1. The 2016 ICC Suspension: Government Interference at Its Peak
The most damaging chapter in Nepali cricket governance occurred in April 2016, when the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).
The suspension followed the National Sports Council (NSC) creating an ad-hoc governing committee without democratic elections, breaching ICC Article 2.9 (prohibiting government and political interference).
- Financial Freeze: ICC froze all operational and development funding to Nepal.
- Saved by Player Exemption: The ICC uniquely allowed the national team to compete in international qualifiers, recognizing the squad’s immense public support.
- Resolution: After intense mediation involving former captain Paras Khadka and government stakeholders, CAN held revised democratic elections and earned ICC reinstatement in late 2019.
2. Sandeep Lamichhane Legal Turmoil and International Repercussions
Sandeep Lamichhane’s emergence as a global franchise spinner—playing in the IPL, BBL, and CPL—was historic. However, his 2022 arrest and subsequent legal charges became one of the most polarizing sports sagas in South Asia.
- Suspension and Trials: CAN suspended Lamichhane following an arrest warrant. In early 2024, the Kathmandu District Court convicted him, leading to immediate suspension.
- The High Court Reversal: In May 2024, the Patan High Court overturned the conviction, acquitting Lamichhane due to lack of corroborating evidence. CAN promptly reinstated him.
- Visa Controversy: Lamichhane faced recurring US visa denials, impacting his presence at key overseas assignments and sparking protests across Kathmandu outside diplomatic offices.
3. The Nepal T20 League (2022–2023) Spot-Fixing Scandal
In an attempt to introduce an official franchise league, CAN partnered with an Indian commercial agency, Seven3Sports, to host the inaugural Nepal T20 League in late 2022. The event quickly devolved into a reputational disaster:
- Unpaid Salaries: Overseas and domestic players threatened walkouts after promised pay failed to materialize.
- Fixing Arrests: The Nepal Police Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit intervened, leading to arrests of national player Mehboob Alam and all-rounder Mohammad Aadil Alam on spot-fixing charges.
- Contract Termination: CAN ultimately terminated its 8-year contract with Seven3Sports amid severe public and government backlash, replacing the competition structure with the rebranded, locally organized Nepal Premier League (NPL).
4. The 2021 Captaincy Feud and Contract Grading Rebellion
During late 2021, a severe rift broke out between senior players and the CAN board over central contract classifications.
- Senior players, including captain Gyanendra Malla and vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee, publicly criticized the selection criteria and grading structure.
- CAN responded aggressively, stripping Malla of the captaincy and sanctioning players for disciplinary violations.
- The team split into factions before public interventions and player associations forced a compromise, though the friction lingered well into subsequent international series.
5. Modern Selection Rows and Domestic Walkouts
Controversy in Nepali cricket remains active. Tensions have emerged between domestic standouts and national selectors regarding transparency:
- Domestic Discontent: Senior performers in the Prime Minister’s Cup and provincial pacers have raised concerns over opaque selection procedures, citing non-merit factors when tournament top-scorers were overlooked for international touring squads.
- CAN Reassurance: While CAN officials maintain that selections are purely performance- and condition-based, players continue to demand open metrics for national camp call-ups.
Less-Known Facts About Nepali Cricket Governance
- Player-Funded Camps: During the mid-2000s, domestic cricketers frequently paid for their own practice turf, cricket balls, and inter-city bus fares due to administrative budget shortfalls.
- Neutral Match Administration: During the three-year ICC suspension, ICC representatives had to sign off directly on national player match fees to keep the team operational.
- Massive Fan Crowds: Despite facilities lacking modern stadium seating at Tribhuvan University, matches frequently attract 20,000+ fans who watch from trees and rooftops, making Nepal the highest-attended Associate cricketing nation globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Cricket Association of Nepal suspended by the ICC in 2016?
The ICC suspended the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) in April 2016 due to political and government interference. The National Sports Council had formed an ad-hoc committee instead of conducting transparent, independent board elections.
Did Sandeep Lamichhane play cricket after his legal issues?
Yes. In May 2024, the Patan High Court acquitted Sandeep Lamichhane of all charges, overturning a lower court ruling. Following the verdict, CAN cleared him to play, and he returned to international and domestic representation.
What happened during the 2022–2023 Nepal T20 League scandal?
The 2022–2023 Nepal T20 League suffered from unpaid player salaries, organizer abandonment, and a major spot-fixing inquiry by Nepal Police and the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, resulting in multiple arrests.





















