The Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association of Nepal (CUSAN) demanded that the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) take strict action against Karan KC, one of Nepal’s most experienced bowlers.

The CUSAN put forth the demand through a press statement, which was signed by Mohammad Shafique (Sameer Khan), president of the CUSAN, on Saturday evening.

“We condemn the statement made by Nepal Police Club and national player Karan KC regarding the umpire’s decision on social media,” the statement reads. “Such a statement has dealt a blow to our professional security and self-respect.”

KC, on Saturday morning, commented on a Facebook post by Troll Cricket Nepal. The post was regarding Bagmati’s skipper Sandeep Lamichhane getting disappointed over an umpiring decision during the Men’s PM Cup fixture against Madhesh in Birgunj on Friday.

“If any player beats an umpire mistakenly, how many matches would he be banned for? Just for query? P.S - For Players knowledge and safety,” KC commented.

It is not the first time that cricketers have been dissatisfied with umpiring in tournaments in Nepal. From domestic tournaments to the Nepal Premier League, even foreign players have shown dissent to some decisions by Nepali umpires.

In the latest case, Lamichhane had a heated argument with on-field umpire Kamlesh Thakur over an lbw decision in 22.2 overs bowled by Pratish GC.

GC was one wicket shy of his five-wicket haul when he bowled the 23rd over against Madhesh, which were 111/5. Mohammad Adil Alam was on strike and was dropped by Rijan Dhakal in the first ball. The second delivery, GC bowls a slower ball, which Alam misjudges, and it misses the bat and hits his leg.

The ball looked as if it was hitting the leg stumps clearly, and GC appealed. However, umpire Thakur was not entertained.

“Why not? Why not?” GC questioned after Thakur said no. The pacer then exclaimed, “Oh my god.” And when GC said to his skipper that the ball was hitting the leg stumps clearly, Lamichhane intervened.

Firstly, Lamichhane expressed his dissatisfaction softly. And slowly, it got heated. Multiple players were needed to pull Lamichhane away as the game took a couple of minutes to resume.

GC went on to complete his fifer, and Bagmati won the match by 35 runs. However, the dissatisfaction with the decision remained, and it led KC, who plays for Nepal Police, to speak up a day later.

The comment by KC has gone viral across social media, and it is getting mixed reactions.

While the CUSAN condemned the comment, many cricket fans have demanded that CAN take steps to reduce the rate of wrong decisions by umpires.

Meanwhile, Aamir Akhtar, founder of the Everest Premier League, also called KC’s comment ‘shameful and unacceptable’.

“Unacceptable and shameful comment by a national cricketer to disgrace its guardians,” Akhtar wrote on Facebook. “Respect for umpires is about appreciating their humanity and high stakes pressure they face throughout. I urge CRICKET ASSOCIATION OF NEPAL-CAN to take immediate action on such foul languages and everyone’s integrity is upheld.”

KC has not yet responded to the CUSAN statement. KC and his team are facing Sudurpashchim Province in Janakpur on Sunday.