Sandeep Lamichhane, the Nepal leg-spinner, is all set to join the team in the Caribbean islands for their last two league-stage matches. Notably, Nepal's most high profile cricketer was denied a US visa twice which meant that he could not be with the team for all their matches. However, with the team scheduled to play their last two league-stage fixtures in West Indies, Lamichhane will be able to feature in them.
The same was confirmed by Cricket Association Of Nepal (CAN), in an official statement. Notably, Lamichhane had received an eight-year prison sentence for rape but the decision was overturned by a high court due to "lack of evidence". While it looked like Lamichhane might be able to play the T20 World Cup after the decision was overturned, he was denied the US visa despite intervention from the Nepal government.
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 is being co-hosted by the United States Of America and the West Indies.
"We would like to inform you that Nepali player Sandeep Lamichhane will be included in the Nepali national cricket team for the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in West Indies," the CAN said in a statement.
Lamichhane too took to social media to corroborate the news.
"I am now joining the national team for the last two matches in the West Indies and looking forward to fulfilling my dreams and the dream of all cricket lovers," Lamichhane wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Nepal Lose To Netherlands In Their T20 World Cup 2024 Opener
Meanwhile, Nepal started off their campaign with a defeat against the Nethelands in their first match. They will take on Sri Lanka in their second match before Nepal travel to the Caribbean Islands which is where Lamichhane will be able to join them. Nepal's matches against South Africa and Bangladesh are scheduled at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent.