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The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is in a race against time to include star spinner Sandeep Lamichhane in their T20 World Cup squad after his US visa application was denied.
US Embassy denies visa to Sandeep Lamichhane
Lamichhane, once considered the face of Nepali cricket, was recently cleared of rape charges on appeal, having served an eight-year sentence that was overturned. This development has prompted the CAN to explore ways to integrate him back into the national team.
“We are trying to see if we can still make it possible for him to join the squad,” CAN president Chatur Bahadur Chand told AFP on Thursday.
Lamichhane expressed his disappointment on social media late Wednesday, stating that the US Embassy’s decision to deny his visa for the T20 World Cup was “unfortunate.” He apologized to Nepali cricket fans for the setback.
Also READ: Nepal star Sandeep Lamichhane opens up after US visa denial ahead of T20 World Cup 2024
Prior to the rape accusations, Lamichhane’s exceptional leg-spin bowling had significantly boosted cricket’s popularity in Nepal. However, the controversy led to his exclusion from the preliminary T20 World Cup squad selection.
Nepal’s current T20 World Cup squad (as of May 24, 2024):
Rohit Paudel (c), Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee
The upcoming T20 World Cup will be Nepal’s second appearance at the ICC event. Their campaign kicks off with a match against the Netherlands in Dallas on June 4. The group stage will also see them face South Africa, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
