Sandeep Lamichhane, the legspinner from Nepal, will be unable to participate in the 2024 T20 World Cup as his visa application to the USA has been denied for the second time.
Despite the intervention of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the Government of Nepal on his behalf, their efforts proved to be futile.
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has affirmed its dedication to aiding Lamichhane in acquiring a visa for his involvement in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies, despite the necessary precautions and the diplomatic note from multiple governmental and sports entities. The board noted the absence of the US Embassy in addressing the issue, but they remain steadfast in their commitment to assisting Lamichhane in obtaining a visa for his upcoming trips to the US.
The US Embassy in Kathmandu stated last week that they are unable to provide any comments on individual visa cases due to the confidentiality of visa documents under US law, as reported by the Kathmandu Post.
Lamichhane, a prominent cricketer from Nepal, was arrested in October 2022 on allegations of raping an 18-year-old woman. As a result, he was suspended by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). However, in January 2024, he was acquitted by the Patan High Court due to lack of evidence, following an appeal. Subsequently, CAN allowed him to resume playing cricket.
Nepal’s first match in the T20 World Cup, which is co-hosted by the USA and West Indies, will take place on June 7 in Dallas, Texas. They will be facing the Netherlands in Group D. Their second match is scheduled against Sri Lanka on June 11 in Lauderhill, Florida. Following that, they will have two matches against South Africa and Sri Lanka in the Caribbean.
