Nepal's Lamichhane Denied US Visa, Misses Out on T20 World Cup

Nepal's star leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane faces a major setback as his US visa application has been rejected for the second time, jeopardizing his participation in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the United States.

Lamichhane's initial visa application was denied last week, prompting the Nepali government and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) to intervene. Despite their efforts, the application was rejected once again. CAN expressed disappointment in a statement, stating that despite diplomatic support from the government and various organizations, the US Embassy has declined to grant Lamichhane travel permission.

"Despite taking necessary initiatives, along with the diplomatic note, from the government of Nepal, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Sports Council, CAN, and International Cricket Council (ICC), for cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane's visit to participate in the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies, the US Embassy has expressed its inability to give travel permission (visa) to national player Lamichhane to play in the World Cup," CAN said.

A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Kathmandu declined to comment on individual visa cases, citing confidentiality under US law. However, the embassy emphasized its commitment to facilitating visas for members of national cricket teams who qualify for the appropriate visa class.

Nepal has been placed in Group D alongside Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands. They will kick off their campaign on June 4 against the Netherlands in Texas.

The absence of Lamichhane, who is Nepal's leading wicket-taker in T20Is, will be a significant blow to the team's chances in the tournament. He has been a key player for Nepal in recent years, helping them achieve historic victories and qualify for major international events.

The Nepali government and CAN have expressed their disappointment and are exploring all possible options to secure Lamichhane's visa. They have appealed to the US Embassy to reconsider its decision and grant him travel permission.

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