Sandeep Lamichhane arrives in West Indies to join Nepal squad

The spinner was refused a visa by the United States for the T20 World Cup on two occasions but is now set to be available for the concluding matches in Group D against South Africa and Bangladesh

Ciaran McCarthy | 10/06/2024 at 15:00

Sandeep Lamichhane has arrived in the Caribbean in the hope of being involved in Nepal's final two group matches in the Men's T20 World Cup.

Previously denied a visa to enter the United States on two occasions, he has arrived in the Caribbean hoping to face South Africa (June 15) and Bangladesh (June 17).

Nepal are next in action against Sri Lanka in Lauderhill, Florida, on Wednesday (June 12).

Last month, Lamichhane's conviction for raping an 18-year-old woman was overturned but he was not named in his country's squad for the 20-team tournament.

However, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has confirmed that having only submitted a 14-player squad to the ICC by the May 25 deadline, Lamichhane will be added in time for the final two group games. In addition, an ICC spokesperson has also confirmed to ESPNCricinfo that permission has been given for the 23-year-old to join the group.

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^{Nepal lost their opening game to the Netherlands in Dallas (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)}

"Nepali player Sandeep Lamichhane will leave for the West Indies for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup and join the Nepali national cricket team," CAN secretary Paras Khadka said in a statement.

Upon arriving in the West Indies, Lamicchane released a lengthy statement on Instagram praising CAN and the Nepal government and stated his intention to play this week.

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A post shared by Sandeep Lamichhane (@sandeep_lamichhane25)

"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," said Lamichhane, who has 98 wickets in 52 T20Is.

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