Sandeep Lamichhane Ruled Out Of The T20 World Cup 2024 Due To Visa Issues - Reports
Lamichhane is Nepal's most successful bowler. (X)
In a major setback for the Nepal cricket team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, star leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been denied a US visa for the second time.
Lamichhane, recently cleared of rape charges, was prepared to join the squad for Nepal's historic debut at the ICC event. Reports indicate that Lamichhane had a visa interview scheduled for 4 pm on Thursday (May 30). Sports Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha mentioned that the Foreign Minister was coordinating with the US embassy to secure the visa.
The 23-year-old had been training at the TU cricket ground and was set to depart for the US tonight if his visa application was approved. However, with the rejection, Lamichhane is certain to miss the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the West Indies and USA from June 2 to 29.
Rohit Paudel will lead a young Nepal side at the marquee event, with their first match on June 4 against the Netherlands in Texas. The selection saw no major surprises, with players rewarded for their performances at the ACC Premier Cup in Oman and matches against a West Indies A side touring Kirtipur.
Nepal is set to play their second warm-up match against the USA on May 30 in Dallas. They will play two group matches in the US and the remaining two in the Caribbean.
Following the visa denial, thousands of Nepal cricket fans took to the streets of Kathmandu to protest against the US decision to deny a visa to their star player, Lamichhane.
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