On Tuesday, October 8, while watching a cricket match in Kathmandu between Nepal and Canada’s High-Performance squad, a cricket commentator got into some hot water. After the commentator made a discriminatory remark towards a Nepalese cricket player who was batting in the middle of the third and final practice match between the two teams, Cricket Canada began to express their sorrow on Saturday, October 12.
The offending commentator’s link to an apology on ‘X’ (previously Twitter) was shared by Cricket Canada. They denounced the event and stated that the speaker will not be participating in any more broadcasts. For those who don’t know, the pundit was attempting to speak Hindi with an accent from Nepal, calling the cricketer a “security guard” when he exclaimed, “Oh Sahaab Ji.”
We wish to reassure all parties involved that significant steps have been taken. Cricket Canada does not align with the principles expressed in the individual’s remarks. The offender has apologized to the public.
Check what the commentator said:
What the hell is this? @canadiancricket
Blatant racist remarks being aired live !
Who are the commentators ?
This is wrong at so many levels.@CricketNep @ICC @paras77 @SubasTheOne_ @MaharjanSamraat pic.twitter.com/p2SKk5wAyU— Samaya
(@Samaya290) October 9, 2024
Dear @CricketNep, @NepalsRhinoArmy
and all the die hard fans from the beautiful country of Nepal:माफ गर्नुहोस् from the bottom of my heart!Please be kind and don’t hate me for this!We are humans and we make mistakes in life, I would take this as a learning to do better!
pic.twitter.com/uFgw4tDAKf
— Commentator_VenuRaj (@CommentatorVr) October 9, 2024
Cricket Canada released a statement saying, “The individual will not be included in any future broadcasts. Such remarks have no place in our sport or society.”
“We have a long-standing relationship with the Nepalese team and community, built on mutual respect, and we remain committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment,” it said.
Check the post below:
What the hell is this? @canadiancricket
Blatant racist remarks being aired live !
Who are the commentators ?
This is wrong at so many levels.@CricketNep @ICC @paras77 @SubasTheOne_ @MaharjanSamraat pic.twitter.com/p2SKk5wAyU— Samaya
(@Samaya290) October 9, 2024
We want to assure everyone that meaningful actions have been taken. The remarks made by the individual do not reflect Cricket Canada’s values. The individual has issued a public apology: https://t.co/7QCWO9MrAV. Such comments have no place in our sport or society, and the…
— Cricket Canada (@canadiancricket) October 11, 2024
Dear @CricketNep, @NepalsRhinoArmy
and all the die hard fans from the beautiful country of Nepal:माफ गर्नुहोस् from the bottom of my heart!Please be kind and don’t hate me for this!We are humans and we make mistakes in life, I would take this as a learning to do better!
pic.twitter.com/uFgw4tDAKf
— Commentator_VenuRaj (@CommentatorVr) October 9, 2024
The supporters group for Nepal cricket, Nepal Rhino’s Army, had previously pushed the sport’s administration to discipline the pundit.
What lies next for Nepal?
In a three-match Twenty20 International series in Dallas, Rohit Paudel’s team will aim to perform well against the USA. Following their strong showings in Dallas, cricket fans will expect both teams to improve upon their success from the 2024 T20 World Cup in June.
Also Read: On this day in 2023: Nepal sets world record for highest T20I team total of 314
The first Twenty20 International (T20I) between Nepal and the USA takes place at Grand Prairie Stadium on Saturday, October 19.