Sandeep Lamichhane is set to rejoin Nepal's World Cup squad for the Caribbean segment of their campaign, after missing their initial matches in the USA. Previously, the ex-captain of Nepal had been facing an eight-year imprisonment due to a rape conviction. However, his conviction was overturned on appeal just before the World Cup began. Despite significant efforts by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and various Nepalese government agencies to secure his entry, Lamichhane was denied a US visa.
As a result, Nepal played without their premier leg-spinner in their defeat to the Netherlands in Dallas last week and will also be without him for their match against Sri Lanka in Lauderhill, Florida, this Wednesday. Nevertheless, Lamichhane will be available for Nepal’s concluding two matches against South Africa and Bangladesh in Kingstown, St Vincent.
Although Lamichhane was reportedly included in the final squad list submitted to the ICC before the tournament, his name was omitted from the publicly announced roster, with the ICC and CAN listing reserve player Patish GC among the 15 selected players.
Lamichhane, who has already reached the Caribbean, has a wealth of experience playing there, having previously represented teams such as the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Barbados Tridents, and Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Despite not playing competitively since late last year, he has been training consistently at Kathmandu's TU Ground following the clearance of his legal issues.
In a statement on social media, Lamichhane expressed his gratitude to the Nepalese government, including the Foreign Ministry, Sports Ministry, National Sports Council, and CAN, for their efforts to secure his US visa, which ultimately was not granted. He mentioned his eagerness to join the national team for the remaining matches in the West Indies and his commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of Nepal’s cricket enthusiasts. Additionally, Lamichhane addressed the criticism directed at CAN president Chatur Bahadur Chand and secretary Paras Khadka, expressing his dismay.
Confirming Lamichhane's inclusion, CAN stated, “Nepal player Sandeep Lamichhane will travel to the West Indies to join the Nepal team for the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Following the Patan High Court's decision on May 15th, CAN opted to keep young bowler Pratish GC as a travelling reserve and include Lamichhane in the 15-member list submitted to the ICC. We hope all Nepali cricket fans will come together to support the team in this grand cricket festival, which Nepal is partaking in for the first time in a decade.”