Big Bash League star fronts court accused of raping a woman he met in Queensland nightclub
- Hobart Hurricanes player faced court on Monday
- Stands accused of sexually assaulting a Townsville woman
- Incident allegedly occured two years before he signed with Hobart
Hobart Hurricanes cricket player Nikhil Chaudhary has pleaded not guilty to raping a woman in Townsville, Queensland.
The Big Bash League cricketer is alleged to have raped a woman in his vehicle after meeting her at a Townsville nightclub.
The Townsville Bulletin has reported the Hurricanes all-rounder pleaded not guilty on day one of the trial on Monday.
Nikhil Chaudhary, from India, moved to Australia and worked in a restaurant and as a postman while playing cricket.
He had previously played cricket in India's top domestic competition, the Ranji Trophy, for Punjab and was coached by Harbhajan Singh, playing alongside famous players like Yuvraj Singh and Shubman Gill.
Hobart Hurricanes cricket player Nikhil Chaudhary has been charged with sexual assault and is on trial in a Townsville court in Queensland
The cricketer pleaded not guilty on the first day of the trial on Monday
In 2020, he visited Australia for a holiday but ended up staying because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his extended stay, he started playing for the Northern Suburbs District Cricket Club in Brisbane.
His performances in club cricket led to him being selected to play for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League at the end of 2023.
A jury of 12 members were selected on Monday morning, with a 13th member selected as a precautionary measure.
The trial is expected to last three days before Judge John Coker and a jury and Chaudhary will be represented by defence barrister Claire Grant.
Shannon Sutherland is acting as crown prosecutor.
