KATHMANDU: The US Embassy in Nepal has denied a visa to Nepali cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane, jeopardizing his participation in the upcoming World Cup matches scheduled to be held in the United States and the West Indies.
Lamichhane revealed through his Facebook account that his visa application was rejected, despite completing all the necessary procedures required by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).
He expressed disappointment, stating, “Unfortunately! My visa has been rejected for the T20 World Cup to be held in America and the West Indies. I apologize to all well-wishers of Nepali cricket.”
This denial comes after Lamichhane was previously cleared of allegations in a high-profile rape case by the Patan High Court, which overturned a lower court’s verdict convicting him.
Subsequently, he was provisionally included in the Nepali cricket team for the World Cup, with the consent of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
However, Lamichhane’s chances of participating in the World Cup are now in jeopardy due to the denial of his visa by the American authorities.