Nepal’s star cricketer and former captain, Sandeep Lamichhane, has had his US visa application rejected again by the US Embassy in Nepal, preventing his participation in the 2024 T20 World Cup. In response, a large protest erupted in Kathmandu, with passionate cricket fans taking to the streets to express their disappointment and demand immediate action to resolve the issue.

Sandeep Lamichhane’s US Visa application has been rejected once again by the US Embassy in Nepal.

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– He will now not participate in the 2024 T20 World Cup. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/UYiqB4xt4x

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 30, 2024

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Sandeep Lamichhane Out Of T20 World Cup 2024

Lamichhane, who was recently acquitted of rape charges by the Patan High Court, was expected to be a key player in Nepal’s T20 World Cup squad. His exclusion due to visa issues has sparked widespread outrage among supporters who consider his presence crucial to the team’s success.

Protestors gathered in large numbers, holding banners and chanting slogans in support of Lamichhane. They urged authorities to intervene and ensure that the talented cricketer receives the necessary visa to represent Nepal on the global stage.

Nepalese cricket officials have also expressed concern and are reportedly in discussions with relevant authorities to address the visa denial. They emphasized the importance of Lamichhane’s participation in the T20 World Cup and remain hopeful for a positive resolution.

The 23-year-old cricketer had been training at the TU cricket ground while awaiting a second chance at visa approval, following coordination between the Foreign Minister and the US Embassy. Despite these efforts, his visa application was rejected again, and he will now miss the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be held in the West Indies and USA from June 1 to 29.

Nepal will begin their campaign against the Netherlands in a Group D fixture on June 4. They are set to play their first two matches in the USA before heading to the Caribbean for the subsequent games.

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