T20 World Cup 2024: Sandeep Lamichhane Faces Setback with US Visa Denial
Nepal’s star spinner Sandeep Lamichhane faces a setback in his T20 World Cup participation. He was denied a US visa, casting doubt on his ability to join the team for the tournament co-hosted by the US and West Indies starting June 1st.
Earlier this month, Nepal’s high court acquitted Sandeep Lamichhane of rape charges due to insufficient evidence. This overturned his initial eight-year prison sentence.
Following Sandeep Lamichhane’s acquittal on rape charges, Cricket Nepal president Chatur Bahadur expressed their intention to include the leg-spinner in the World Cup squad, marking Nepal’s historic first appearance in the tournament.
Also Read: Rape charges against Sandeep Lamichhane were overturned in his favor
Nepalese cricket board president Bahdur has expressed gladness about Lamichhane being set free by the law and is happy for the cricketer.
On the day he was set free, he said that the board had also removed suspensions and they had the time to include him in the squad until May 25.
Unfortunately, Lamichhane took to his X account and confirmed that the US Embassy in Nepal has denied his visa as they did in 2019 and he won’t be able to participate in the tournament.
“And the @USEmbassyNepal did it again what they did back in 2019, they denied my Visa for the T-20 World Cup happening in the USA and West Indies. Unfortunate. I am sorry to all the well-wishers of Nepal Cricket. @USAmbNepal @CricketNep,” Lamichhane posted on X.
Lamichhane last played for Nepal in 2023 against Kenya in a T20I match.
