Sandeep Lamichhane Arrives in West Indies for World Cup, CAN Issues Statement

After being denied a visa by the USA, Nepali leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has finally arrived in the West Indies to participate in the ongoing World Cup.

Nepal’s team, which missed the initial matches in the USA, will play two games each in the USA and the West Indies. In the West Indies, Nepal is set to face Bangladesh and South Africa. Sandeep’s arrival in the West Indies was kept confidential by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) until he reached the destination.

Lamichane arrived at the West Indies three hours prior to the release of this information. Following his arrival, CAN officially announced Sandeep’s participation in the games in the West Indies. The statement from CAN reads, “We want to inform that Nepali cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane has traveled to the West Indies and will join the Nepali national cricket team for the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.”

Additionally, CAN has named young bowler Pratish GC as a traveling reserve, finalizing the list of the official 15 players to be presented to the ICC. Despite not obtaining an American visa, CAN clarified that, in coordination with the ICC, Sandeep will be present for Nepal’s matches against South Africa and Bangladesh in the West Indies. CAN also addressed negative statements targeted towards them regarding Sandeep’s visa issues as baseless. CAN appealed, “We urge all well-wishers of Nepali cricket to refrain from unnecessary and baseless statements and instead contribute positively as much as possible to realize the bright future of Nepali cricket. We request all supporters of Nepali cricket, without being swayed by fruitless media sensationalism for personal or political gain, to encourage the Nepali national cricket team in this World Cup.