After missing their first two World Cup matches in the USA, Sandeep Lamichhane will be a part of the Nepal World Cup squad for the Caribbean phase of their tournament. Before the World Cup, the former captain of Nepal faced an eight-year prison sentence when his rape conviction was reversed on appeal. However, despite the lobbying efforts of multiple Nepalese government departments and the Cricket Association of Nepal, he was refused a US visa.
Although his name was not on the publicly disclosed squad, Lamichhane is believed to have been on the final roster that was sent to the ICC prior to the competition. Of the 15, Patish GC was the traveling reserve that the ICC and CAN had preferred listed.
As a result, Nepal will be without their ace legspinner when they play Sri Lanka at Lauderhill in Florida on Wednesday, just as they were when they lost to the Netherlands in Dallas last week. Lamichhane, however, will be eligible for Nepal’s final two games in Kingstown, St. Vincent, against Bangladesh and South Africa.
“Unfortunately, this attempt to obtain a US visa for me was unsuccessful. I would like to express my gratitude to the Government of Nepal, Foreign Ministry, Sports Ministry, National Sports Council, and Cricket Association of Nepal for their support.” For the final two games in the West Indies, I will be playing for the national team. I am excited to realize my aspirations and the hopes of all cricket enthusiasts.” In a message shared on social media, Lamichhane expressed regret for the criticism directed on Chatur Bahadur Chand, the president of CAN, and Paras Khadka, the secretary.
Lamichhane has already reached West Indies to join the Nepal team for the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” CAN confirmed the move in a similar statement. After the Patan High Court’s ruling on May 15, CAN made the choice to add Lamichhane to the 15-member list that was sent to the ICC and retain young bowler Pratish Ji as a traveling reserve. We truly hope that everyone who loves cricket in Nepal will come together and support the national team during this historic cricket festival, in which Nepal is taking part for the first time in a decade.”
