Sandeep Lamichhane has faced another visa denial from the US Embassy, to compete in the 2024 T20 World Cup. This repeated setback could result in Lamichhane missing the prestigious tournament.
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) announced in a press release that Lamichhane’s visa has been denied for a second time, despite efforts from the Government of Nepal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Council, Cricket Association of Nepal, and the ICC.
Lamichhane’s visa denial erupted in protest in Kathmandu on Thursday. His supporters were on the streets in anger demanding a visa for him to participate in the T20 World Cup.
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.
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.
Nepal is set to play their first game of the tournament on June 4 against the Netherlands.
