CPL 2019: Sandeep Lamichhane ‘speechless’ on his US Visa rejection; sorts it out later

Nepal is one of the rising cricketing nations of the world. It stands 11th in the ICC T20I rankings, and not too far away from Bangladesh, the 10th ranked team. Players like Paras Khadka and Sandeep Lamichhane have helped the team grow. In fact, he created history, when he was picked up by Delhi Capitals for the IPL 2018. Moreover, he was even retained for the following edition.

The 19-year-old is arguably the future of the cricketing world. He has featured in various T20 leagues across the world, with Melbourne Stars (Australian Big Bash League), Delhi Capitals (Indian Premier League), Lahore Qalandars (Pakistan Super League), Toronto Nationals (Global T20 League) being some of the franchises he has represented.

US Visa rejected

Sandeep has represented Nepal in 13 international games, where he has scalped a total of 24 wickets. A leg-spinner by bowling style, Lamichhane has been able to master some good skills, which helps him to deceive the batsman.

However, on 13th August 2019, he came up with very disappointing news. “Today I visited @USEmbassyNepal to get the visa of USA for the upcoming @CPL 2019 tournament. Being a National Cricket Player representing my country in the various leagues since 2016 around the world, I got big surprise to see my visa got rejected,” he wrote in a tweet.

He followed it with another tweet, which read as, “I was smiling and I was literally speechless to see all this, having all the proper documents I got this surprise. Being a sportsperson, it’s gonna be a bit hard for me to go and participate in @CPL for @BIMTridents.” This is no less than a shock since Laminchanne has now been participating in IPL, PSL, BBL, BPL quite regularly now.

Today I visited @USEmbassyNepal to get the visa of USA for the upcoming @CPL 2019 tournament. Being a National Cricket Player representing my country in the various leagues since 2016 around the world, i got big surprise to see my visa got rejected. @PM_Nepal @USAmbNepal

— Sandeep Lamichhane (@IamSandeep25) August 13, 2019

I was smiling and i was literally speechless to see all this, having all the proper documents i got this surprise. Being a sportsperson, its gonna be a bit hard for me to go and participate in @CPL for @BIMTridents @hello_sarkar @PradeepgyawaliK @MofaNepal

— Sandeep Lamichhane (@IamSandeep25) August 13, 2019

‘Issues sorted out now’

Four hours later, Lamichhane came up with a new tweet. Much to the relief of the fans, he announced that all the issues had now been sorted out. He also thanked the US embassy for the same. “Finally, all the issues has been sorted out. Thanks to @USEmbassyNepal for your kind cooperation. Big thanks to all the well wishers and concerned person for putting the valuable efforts. @USAmbNepal @PM_Nepal @PradeepgyawaliK @hello_sarkar @MofaNepal @CPL @BIMTridents,” wrote Lamichhane.

Finally all the issues has been sorted out. Thanks to @USEmbassyNepal for your kind cooperation. Big thanks to all the well wishers and concerned person for putting the valuable efforts. @USAmbNepal @PM_Nepal @PradeepgyawaliK @hello_sarkar @MofaNepal @CPL @BIMTridents

— Sandeep Lamichhane (@IamSandeep25) August 13, 2019

This news would have been a huge relief for the Barbados Tridents since Lamichhane is expected to be the lead spinner of their squad. CPL 2019 will feature 6 teams, and the Barbados based franchise looks a strong squad on paper. With Sandeep in the team, it further strengthens the already strong bowling attack of the team, which includes the likes of Wahab Riaz, Ashley Nurse, and Imad Wasim.