Nepal’s controversial cricket player Sandeep Lamichhane will join his team in the West Indies for the ICC T20 World Cup after he failed to participate in matches held in USA because of visa issues, Nepal Cricket Association said on Monday.
“Nepali player Sandeep Lamichhane will migrate to West Indies for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup and join Nepali national cricket team,” revealed the association secretary Paras Khadka.
The T20 World Cup is being hosted jointly by the United States and West Indies. Though Nepal had initially planned to feature Lamichhane right from the beginning, his visa applications for U.S. were denied twice despite serious attempts to secure an approval.
“I am now joining national team for the last two matches in West Indies and looking forward to fulfilling my dreams and dream of all cricket lovers,” posted Lamichhane on social media platform X.
The 23-year-old spin bowler, once hailed as a poster child for Nepali cricket, faced significant legal challenges after being found guilty of raping a young woman at a Kathmandu hotel in 2022. He was released from prison last month when an appeal court quashed his eight year sentence enabling him back into world of cricketing.
Nepal started their campaign with a six-wicket loss against Netherland during their first match of T20 World Cup. On Wednesday Sri Lanka is scheduled to play against them in Florida before leaving for match series with South Africa and Bangladesh in West Indies.
His comeback is seen as a positive step towards Nepal’s side which will see them through remaining crucial games of this event by adding experience and skills.
