Nepal entirely depends on native players, and perhaps as a result they are one of the least favored teams for the ICC. The absence of Sandeep Lamichhane (due to visa issues) impacted them negatively, while the young batsmen have not yet properly got themselves adjusted to the conditions in USA and West Indies. But I have a lot of hope for them. They will improvise as the tournament goes on, and this time a minimum of 4 matches are guaranteed for each team in the group phase.
Why is Lamichhane's visa being rejected again? I thought the court had acquitted him or was it because he was on the radar of Interpol a few years back due to his hideout and overstay in the US?
I hope they make a strong statement in this WC, maybe an upset team or two. It would be some fun for sure.
Irrespective of whether he was acquitted or not, Sandeep Lamichhane is an accused in a rape case. For such individuals, getting an US visa can be next to impossible. I don't think that it has to do anything with him overstaying in that country. But Nepal should learn to not to be overdependent on any of the players. They have a very young squad. And in a few years from now, they should aim to become one of the top associates, at least at the level of Netherlands and Scotland.