Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association of Nepal (CUSAN) and Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) on Tuesday inked an exchange programme that paved way for umpires of both the sides to officiate in domestic cricket of the two countries.

Nepali umpires and scorers will now be able to officiate in the domestic leagues in Malaysia after the deal. A memorandum of understanding was signed in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesay on the sidelines of the International Cricket Council Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League A. MCA president Mahinda Vallipuram and president of CUSAN Buddhi Bahadur Pradhan signed the agreement.

As per the agreement the upcoming and qualified umpires and scorers of Nepal will travel to Malaysia to officiate in the Malaysian domestic leagues while Malaysian cricket umpires and scorers will come to Nepal to officiate in Nepali domestic cricket matches. MCA president Vallipuram said: "MCA has always been close to Nepal cricket and this agreement is the first step towards bilateral cooperation between the two countries. MCA is committed to give exposure not only to the players but also the match officials." Vallipuram, also the associate member director of ICC, lauded the cricket culture in Nepal.

CUSAN president . Pradhan said: "This is the first formal exchange programme of umpires and scorers between the two associate nations. It will be an example for others to give exposure and opportunity to qualified officials.” Tournaments and leagues for the exchange will be identified by the respective sides and the match officials nominated thereafter. The exchange programme will start from 2019 until termination of the MoU by mutual consent.