Scotland players refused to shake Nepal bowler Sandeep Lamichhane’s hand after a three-wicket ODI loss on Friday, amid controversy over his inclusion in the series.

Following the game in Kirtipur in which Nepal chased down 275 with three overs to spare, both sets of players lined up to shake hands as they walked off the field. With Lamichhane near the back of the line, the Scotland players shook hands with all other players before reaching him. Captain Richie Berrington at the front of the Scotland queue bypassed Lamichhane, walking straight to the next person in the line.

The rest of the Scotland side followed suit without looking at Lamichhane, as the bowler walking past the opposition players to join his teammates. It is understood Lamichhane knew of the planned protest beforehand.

The former Nepal captain is currently on bail after being arrested on charges of sexual coercion. CAN (Cricket Association Nepal) lifted his suspension from playing in international matches after he was granted bail in January. The suspension was enforced in September when an arrest warrant was issued for Lamichhane while he was preparing to play in the Caribbean Premier League.

In an earlier match in the tri-series against Namibia, opposition players had chosen to to fist-bump the Nepal side (including Lamichhane) rather than shake hands. The ICC has not commented on Lamichhane’s inclusion in the Nepal side, while Cricket Scotland and Cricket Namibia have issued statements opposing gender based violence.

Lamichhane has denied the allegations against him in a social media post. The tri-series will continue on Saturday with Nepal set to face Namibia in Kirtipur.

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