New Delhi

Nepal spinner Sandeep Lamichhane’s participation in the T20 World Cup has been put in doubt after being denied a US visa. Last week, Lamichhane was acquitted by the Patan High Court in a rape case, which made him available for selection for the upcoming tournament.

Lamichhane announced on social media that his US visa application was denied. He mentioned that the US Embassy in Nepal had done the same thing in 2019. He also apologized to Nepal Cricket’s supporters, explaining that his visa was denied for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.

Lamichhane was accused of raping a 17-year-old minor in 2022. The complaint, filed on September 6, 2022, alleged that the incidents occurred in a hotel room in Kathmandu on August 21 of that year. Following the accusation, Lamichhane, who was then the captain of the Nepal national cricket team, was suspended by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).

After Lamichhane’s acquittal by the Patan High Court, CAN lifted his suspension. In a press statement, CAN stated that the decision was in line with the court’s verdict, which cleared Lamichhane of all charges. With his acquittal, Lamichhane was considered for inclusion in Nepal’s squad for the T20 World Cup in June. However, the denial of his US visa has cast uncertainty on his participation in the event, despite his reinstatement by CAN.