KATHMANDU, May 22: The US Embassy in Kathmandu has denied a visa to prominent Nepali cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane. Lamichhane, who was scheduled to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup hosted by America and the West Indies, disclosed the rejection through a social media post on Wednesday afternoon.
The visa denial comes despite the other members of the Nepali cricket team having already arrived in the United States to prepare for the tournament. This development poses a significant challenge not only for Lamichhane but also for the team's preparations ahead of such a crucial international event.
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Lamichhane's visa issues follow closely on the heels of his acquittal in a high-profile rape case. Following the court's decision, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) promptly reinstated him to the national team, affirming his eligibility to compete at the international level.
A Spokesperson at the US Embassy in Kathmandu said they can not comment on individual visa cases as visa records are confidential under US law. “The US Embassy is extremely excited to have Nepal’s men’s national cricket team, the Rhinos, participating in the T20 World Cup in the United States and, in fact, a few Embassy officials met with them a few weeks ago to appreciate and encourage them before they headed out. We are wishing the entire team the best in the coming games,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson further clarified that the US Embassy in Kathmandu and other US consular ports around the world have made a concerted effort to ensure that members of the national cricket teams who qualify for the appropriate visa class are able to travel in time to compete in the World Cup.
