(source News18)
A visa denial for Nepalese leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has sparked protests in Kathmandu. Young people in Nepal’s capital took to the streets, demanding that the cricketer be granted a visa to compete in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup.
As reported by cricnepal.com, protestors gathered outside the Prime Minister’s office in Baluwatar and planned further demonstrations outside the US embassy to pressure authorities into issuing the visa.
Earlier this month, the Patan High Court acquitted Sandeep Lamichhane in a rape case, reversing the Kathmandu District Court’s decision. Following this ruling, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) lifted his suspension immediately. These developments paved the way for Lamichhane to join the World Cup squad. However, his participation was jeopardized when he was denied a US visa on May 22.
Lamichhane took to social media to reveal the news. “And the US Embassy in Nepal did it again what they did back in 2019, they denied my Visa for the T-20 World Cup happening in the USA and West Indies. Unfortunate. I am sorry to all the well-wishers of Nepal Cricket,” he wrote.
The leg-spinner was instrumental in Nepal’s qualification for the T20 World Cup. He took nine wickets in the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers, finishing as Nepal’s top wicket-taker. In the critical semifinal match against the UAE, he delivered an exceptional spell, bowling 4 overs for 14 runs and taking 2 wickets.
