The physiotherapist of Nepal Cricket team Aijaz Ashai has been arrested after he was accused of sexually assaulting a masseuse at La Mon House Hotel in Northern Ireland. After enquiring into the incident, Cicket Association of Nepal has decided to terminate Ashai’s contract as their Physio.
The incident is alleged to have occurred on Tuesday in the same hotel where the Nepal team is staying for the World T20 Qualifier and Ashai was taken to court on Wednesday. He was charged with touching a female masseuse in a sexual manner without her consent. A police constable testified that the masseuse alleged that Ashai had asked for a full body massage and despite having been instructed to wear underpants, he attended without them. The testimony also said that Ashai told the masseuse that he was suffering in the groin and buttock area, and grabbed her hands and forced them between his legs, while in a state of arousal. He later apologised to the masseuse in front of a hotel manager, noting she was in distress, and offered her a £10 tip, which she refused.
His lawyer denied the charges and the Indian born physiotherapist was released on £2,500 bail. If he was found guilty on the hearing that was adjourned to August 12, Ashai could face six months in jail and/or a £5000 fine. Ashai is one of the leading Physiotherapist from India and has worked with several top Indian cricketers. Ashai has also worked with the Mumbai Ranji team and also at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. He was appointed Nepal’s Physio during their training camp in Dharamshala.