In a development highlighting the complex dynamics of international cricket administration, a top Bangladeshi umpire is currently performing his duties in India. This comes even as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed security concerns about playing in the country ahead of the T20 World Cup.
The Umpire in the Spotlight
Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat, an elite umpire contracted by the International Cricket Council (ICC), served as the television umpire for the first One Day International between India and New Zealand. The match was held at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. His presence has raised questions, given the recent diplomatic tension between the Indian and Bangladeshi cricket boards.
The friction stems from the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) decision concerning left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman. Despite buying him for a hefty Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction in November, KKR did not retain him for the upcoming season. In response, the BCB imposed a ban on the telecast of the IPL in Bangladesh.
Saikat's Credentials and ICC Protocol
Sharfuddoula is a highly experienced official. The Dhaka-born former left-arm spinner has a distinguished record, having officiated in 32 Tests, 118 ODIs, 75 T20Is, 17 Women’s ODIs, and 28 Women’s T20Is. His career milestone was achieved in March 2024, when he became the first Bangladeshi to be inducted into the prestigious ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.
His appointment for the India-New Zealand series follows strict ICC regulations. For ODI matches, the global body appoints one umpire who must not be from the same country as the competing teams and must be from the Elite or International Panel. Furthermore, in games using the Decision Review System (DRS), the ICC appoints a third umpire under the same nationality restrictions. Saikat's role fell under these clauses, making his assignment a routine ICC procedure, independent of bilateral board relations.
Broader Context and Future Implications
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of the BCB's request to move its T20 World Cup matches out of India, citing security as a major reason. Interestingly, both Saikat and another Bangladeshi ICC international umpire, Gazi Sohel, are expected to feature as match officials in the same tournament, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
On the ground, India's record of hosting international teams and events remains strong. The New Zealand players were seen taking relaxed morning strolls in Vadodara, echoing a similar casual outing by the South African team in the hills of Dharamsala just last month. These instances contrast with the expressed security concerns.
Saikat, who also works as the Head of the BCB’s Umpire Education Department and recently officiated in the Bangladesh Premier League, exemplifies the dual role of national board employee and independent ICC official. His current assignment in India underscores that while board-level disputes may occur, the operational machinery of international cricket, governed by ICC statutes, continues to function.
