The recent denial of a US visa to a Nepal cricket star has stirred significant controversy and sparked protests in the country. The Nepal Leggie, who was acquitted of rape charges by the Patan High Court in Nepal, was set to represent his country in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. However, the US Embassy in Nepal denied his visa, leading to a wave of disappointment and frustration among cricket fans and the sports community in Nepal.
Reason For US Visa Denial Of Nepal Cricket Star
Sandeep Lamichhane, a key player for the Nepal cricket team, was crucial in their qualification for the T20 World Cup. The leg-spinner was acquitted of rape charges after the Patan High Court overturned a previous verdict that had sentenced him to eight years in jail. Following the court’s decision, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) lifted Lamichhane’s suspension, paving the way for his participation in the global tournament.
The US Embassy in Nepal, however, rejected Lamichhane’s visa application. It is assumed the reason for the denial of a US Visa could be the history related to the Rape Charges on the Star. This decision was met with shock and disappointment by Lamichhane himself, as well as by cricket fans in Nepal. The leg-spinner expressed his regret on social media, lamenting the missed opportunity to represent his country in the T20 World Cup
Nepal Cricket Fans Stage A Protest Outside the US Embassy in Kathmandu
The visa denial sparked widespread protests in Nepal. Youth in the capital city, Kathmandu, took to the streets to demand a visa for Lamichhane, urging authorities to allow his participation in the tournament. Demonstrators gathered outside the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar and planned further protests outside the US Embassy to exert pressure on authorities for the issuance of Lamichhane’s visa.
Despite the visa denial and the ensuing protests, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has not given up hope on including Lamichhane in their T20 World Cup squad. The CAN president, Chatur Bahadur Chand, revealed efforts to lobby the embassy through the Nepal government in hopes of securing Lamichhane’s participation. However, with the T20 World Cup set to commence next Saturday, co-hosted by the United States and West Indies, the absence of Lamichhane poses a significant challenge for Nepal’s team.
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As the T20 World Cup approaches, the visa denial to Sandeep Lamichhane continues to be a contentious issue. The protests and efforts to resolve the issue highlight the importance of Lamichhane to Nepal’s cricket team and the disappointment and frustration felt by his fans. With the final squad announcement deadline looming, it remains to be seen whether Nepal will be able to accommodate Lamichhane in the 15-member squad.
