Indian cricket and rugby team physio Bashir Ashai accused of molestation during World T20 qualifiers

Physio Bashir Ashai

Former Indian and current Nepal national cricket team physio Bashir Ashai has been accused of molesting a masseuse during the World T20 qualifiers in Northern Ireland. The 42-year-old physio was escorted in cuffs by the police to the Ards Magistrate Court after spending a night in custody.

The incident reportedly took place at the La Mon Hotel, where Ashai is currently staying with the Nepalese national team, who are participating in the only premier qualifiers for the associates at the international stage. Ashai belongs to the Thakur village in East Mumbai and has been accused of forcing himself on the masseuse after asking for a full body massage.

In a state of arousal, Ashai allegedly tried to force himself on the victim after refusing to wear innerwear during the massage. He stated that his groin and buttock area were aching.

Ashai reportedly apologised to the masseuse and even offered her a £10 tip, but the masseuse bluntly refused. Ashai’s lawyer claims that his client agreed to attend the massage, but denied any charges involving using force on the alleged victim.

Both the President and Manager of the Nepalese national cricket team attended the court hearing and stated that they would pay for hotel accomodation for Ashai until the case was resolved. Judge Rice, who was at the helm of proceedings, asked for an assurity of £ 2,500 from the Nepalese Cricket Association (NCA) before his release.

Ashai is the current physiotherapist for the Indian National rugby team and his website boasts of him as being “an expert in the field of Physiotherapy”. He is also the physio of the West Zone Deodhar Trophy team.