Sandeep Lamichhane announced on May 22 that he was denied a US visa for the T20 World Cup, similar to his 2019 visa denial for the CPL, and apologized to Nepal Cricket fans.
Nepal’s prominent spinner, Sandeep Lamichhane, encountered a setback as his USA visa application for the upcoming T20 World Cup was denied. Lamichhane, 23, recently won the prolonged legal battles involving rape charges, with the Supreme Court clearing his name. Despite being suspended from cricket due to the allegations, the court’s verdict paved the way for his return to the sport.
Nepal Cricket President, Chatur Bahadur Chand, expressed the board’s commitment to ensuring Lamichhane’s participation in the tournament, pointing out their ability to alter the squad composition until May 25.
“He has been set free by the law, and we are happy for him. He was sentenced to jail by the lower courts, but today the high court set him free. We have removed the suspension as well, and we have time until the 25th to include him in the World Cup squad,” Chand said.
READ ALSO | Patan High Court Acquits Sandeep Lamichhane of Rape Charges, Paving Way for T20 World Cup Return
Nonetheless, Lamichhane shared his visa denial by the US Embassy for the T20 World Cup, reminiscent of a similar incident in 2019 during the Caribbean Premier League. Expressing regret, he apologized to Nepal Cricket supporters.
“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,” Lamichhane wrote on his X handle.
And the @USEmbassyNepal did it again what they did back in 2019, they denied my Visa for the T-20 World Cup happening in USA and West Indies. Unfortunate. I am sorry to all the well wishers of Nepal Cricket. @USAmbNepal @CricketNep. https://t.co/xdBhaY6G91
— Sandeep Lamichhane (@Sandeep25) May 22, 2024
Nepal, grouped with Bangladesh, Netherlands, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, prepares for their tournament debut against the Netherlands on June 4. Before this crucial match, the team has also scheduled a friendly encounter against Canada on May 27.
Last Updated on May 22, 2024
Senior Sports Copywriter