KATHMANDU, June 2: Gyan Bahadur (Gyanendra) Shahi, a lawmaker and chief whip of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), criticized the United States for denying a visa to cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane, asserting that this action insults Nepal.

Speaking at the House of Representatives meeting on Sunday, Shahi said that the visa denial to Lamichhane is an affront to the entire country. He also expressed frustration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Sports for their lack of response to the issue.

“Lamichhane has been acquitted by the Patan High Court, reinstated by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), and approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to join Nepal’s T20 World Cup squad, yet the USA continues to deny him a visa,” Shahi said. 

Shahi further said, "They are trying to erase the identity of this country. Nepal's existence is in danger. Today, all parliamentarians may speak on this issue, but all are silent. Therefore, why should we keep this sports ministry, Mr Speaker? If players like Sandeep Lamichhane do not get to play cricket in the World Cup, then I do not see the need to keep the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

Despite efforts from the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and sports ministry to secure the visa, the US Embassy in Kathmandu rejected the application. Shahi claimed that external forces are working to erase the identity of Nepal. Lamichhane was set to represent Nepal in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup hosted by the USA and West Indies, but the visa denial has barred him from participating.