Sports Ministry Steps In to Aid Sandeep Lamichhane’s Visa Woes

In a bid to ensure the participation of star cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane in the upcoming T-20 Cricket World Cup, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has stepped in to tackle the recent visa rejection by the US Embassy in Kathmandu.

Youth and Sports Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha held crucial discussions with Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Secretary Paras Khadka on Thursday, strategizing ways to resolve the pressing issue. Following the deliberations, the Ministry has swiftly forwarded a formal request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking their intervention to expedite Sandeep’s visa process.

Minister Shrestha reassured, “We’ve left no stone unturned from the ministry’s end to facilitate Sandeep’s visa acquisition,” underscoring the government’s unwavering support for the talented cricketer.

With the T-20 Cricket World Cup looming on the horizon, scheduled to commence in America and the West Indies on June 1, time is of the essence. Nepal, under the leadership of captain Rohit Paudel and former skipper Paras Khadka, is gearing up for the prestigious tournament.

Currently stationed in Houston for practice matches, Nepal faces a formidable challenge in Group D, featuring cricketing powerhouses such as South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands.

The Nepali squad, brimming with enthusiasm and determination, is set to kick off their World Cup campaign on June 4 against the Netherlands, followed by intense encounters against Sri Lanka (June 11), South Africa (June 14), and Bangladesh (June 16).