Sandeep Lamichhane shared an emotional message on his official social media account after uncertainty arose about his participation in the T20 World Cup. Lamichhane is still unable to join the Nepal team in the USA for the T20 World Cup 2024 because his US visa was denied.
“Honestly, mero sapana pura nabhaye pani ma ke kura ma khusi chu bhane mero desh ko sapana pura bhako cha..
“, Lamichhane wrote on his facebook account.
On May 15, the Patan High Court overturned the Kathmandu District Court’s decision and acquitted Nepal’s star cricketer, Sandeep Lamichhane, in the rape case. Following the court’s ruling, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) lifted his suspension on the same day. This cleared the way for Nepal’s premier leg-spin bowler to secure a spot in the World Cup squad.
CAN also did all the proceedings but his chances of participating in the mega event suffered a setback after he was denied a US visa on May 22. CAN collaborated with various high-level individuals and ministries to ensure Lamichhane’s participation in the World Cup.
May 25 was the deadline to confirm each team’s squad for the World Cup. However, CAN, in coordination with the International Cricket Council (ICC), submitted only 14 names, leaving one spot open for Lamichhane, hoping he can make it to the US in time. In the worst-case scenario, the previously announced 15-player squad will stand. CAN has not yet disclosed the name of the player omitted from the submitted list.
Lamichhane posted an emotional message on Instagram as well. “The one last dance, The one last push. Thank You everyone”, He wrote. Lamichhne can receive a visa on Tuesday if everything goes as planned.
Sandeep Lamichhane played a crucial role in helping Nepal grab a spot in the T20 World Cup after ten long years. He took nine wickets during the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers, emerging as Nepal’s leading wicket-taker. In the crucial semifinal match against the UAE, he delivered an outstanding spell of 4-1-14-2
The leg-spinner continues to train daily at the TU Cricket Ground and is also receiving significant support from the fans.
Nepal will play their first game of the tournament against the Netherlands on June 4. On May 27, Nepal is playing against Canada in the first official warm-up match of the tournament.
