Sandeep Lamichhane, a legspinner from Nepal, will not play in the T20 World Cup in 2024 since his application for a visa to the USA was turned down a second time.
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the Nepali government intervened on his behalf after his original application was denied last week, but he was denied again in spite of their efforts.
“Despite taking necessary initiatives, along with the diplomatic note, from the government of Nepal, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Sports Council, CAN and International Cricket Council (ICC) for cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane’s visit to participate in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies, the US Embassy has expressed its inability to give travel permission (visa) to national player Lamichhane to play the World Cup,” CAN stated in a statement.
However, the board stated that it is still dedicated to assisting Lamichhane in obtaining a visa for further trips to the US.
A representative of the US Embassy in Kathmandu stated last week, “The US Embassy in Kathmandu and other US consular posts around the world have made a concerted effort to ensure that members of national cricket teams who qualify for the appropriate visa class are able to travel in time to compete in the World Cup,” as reported by Kathmandu Post. “We cannot comment on individual visa cases as visa records are confidential under US law.”
One of the most well-known cricket players in Nepal, Lamichhane, was detained in October 2022 on suspicion of raping an 18-year-old lady. CAN immediately placed him on suspension. Following a trial in January 2024, he was found guilty; however, due to “a lack of evidence,” the Patan High Court overturned the conviction on appeal in May. He was given permission by CAN to start playing cricket again right away.
The USA and the West Indies will share co-hosting duties for this year’s T20 World Cup. On June 7 in Dallas, Texas, Nepal takes on the Netherlands in their opening Group D match. On June 11, they play their second match at Lauderhill, Florida, against Sri Lanka. After that, they travel to the Caribbean to play two matches against Sri Lanka and South Africa.
