The U.S. visa application for Nepal’s talented leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been rejected for a second time, forcing him to withdraw from the Twenty20 World Cup. Despite efforts by the Nepalese government and cricket authorities to advocate for Lamichhane, the U.S. Embassy denied travel permission for him to participate in the tournament.
The Cricket Association of Nepal released a statement expressing disappointment over the situation, citing the embassy’s decision as the reason for Lamichhane’s inability to compete in the tournament. In 2022, Lamichhane faced controversy when he was arrested for allegedly raping an 18-year-old woman. He was later cleared of charges due to lack of evidence and allowed to resume his cricket career after an appeal.
Nepal is positioned in Group D for the T20 World Cup and will face off against Netherlands on June 7 in Dallas. Following this match, they will take on Sri Lanka in Lauderhill, Florida on June 11. The team will then head to the West Indies for their remaining group stage games. Although it is unfortunate that Lamichhane will not be able to join his teammates for this prestigious tournament, Nepal will continue to compete in his absence.
