Sandeep Lamichhane’s US Visa rejected again, set to miss T20 World Cup

With the global mega cricket showdown T20 World Cup 2024 about to commence, Nepal face quite the conundrum ahead of the marquee event as the side’s star player Sandeep Lamichhane was denied his US visa once again by the American Embassy in Kathmandu, on Thursday, May 30.

Consequently, Lamichhane now won't be travelling to the USA and is all set to miss the entirety of the T20 World Cup 2024. The mega event is all set to begin on June 2 and will be co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies. The 23-year-old had his visa interview scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. after his first rejection, despite his acquittal in the rape case. The acquittal saw Lamichhane added to Nepal’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup. 

Despite this, the US Embassy was hesitant to provide a visa to the star player. After the rejection, a large number of fans came outside, staging a protest in front of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's officials. Furthermore, due to the protest, Nepal’s government reportedly had a conversation with the US embassy in Kathmandu and had Sandeep Lamichhane's interview scheduled for May 30. 

Also Read: Sandeep Lamichhane denied USA visa for T20 World Cup

Nepal will kick off their World Cup campaign against Netherlands

Speaking of the T20 World Cup 2024, Nepal are placed in Group D of the tournament, with the likes of Bangladesh, Netherlands, South Africa, and Sri Lanka a part of the group as well.

Also Check: Nepal Squad for T20 World Cup 2024: Complete Player list and Squad Details

Nepal will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign by taking on the Netherlands. Both sides will lock horns at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas in the 7th game of the tournament on June 4. Being drawn in a tough group, Nepal will expect challenging encounters in the group stages and hope to register some wins and hopefully make it to the knockout stages.