Sandeep Lamichhane is set to join Nepal's T20 World Cup team in the West Indies following visa issues in the United States, according to the cricket association's announcement on Monday. Initially, Nepal had hoped to include Lamichhane, whose eight-year rape sentence was overturned on appeal, but his US visa applications were denied despite significant efforts. The T20 World Cup is jointly hosted by the United States and the West Indies. Paras Khadka, the association secretary, confirmed that Lamichhane will join the national team for the ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies. The 23-year-old spin bowler, once a symbol of Nepali cricket, faced a rape conviction in 2022 which was later overturned. Lamichhane expressed his excitement on X (formerly Twitter) about joining the team for the final matches in the West Indies, thanking supporters for their prayers. His social media announcement was met with positive responses and congratulations. Nepal's campaign began with a loss to the Netherlands and continues with matches against Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Bangladesh. Lamichhane's career, marked by success in various T20 leagues, faced a setback when he was initially charged with rape. Despite the legal issues, his ban was lifted, allowing him to continue playing until his conviction, which was subsequently quashed. Cricket's popularity in Nepal has been on the rise, with the ICC granting ODI status in 2018, and Lamichhane has been a key figure in this growth.