Amid security fears voiced by BCB, Bangladesh's Saikat in India as ICC rep

India and New Zealand players before the first ODI cricket match (PTI Photo)

VADODARA: At a time when the Bangladesh Cricket Board cited security concerns as a major reason for requesting their matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup to be moved out of India, Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat is currently in India as a match official for the ongoing ODI series between the hosts and New Zealand, as an ICC-contracted umpire. Saikat was the TV umpire during the first ODI at the BCA Stadium here, a fact which raised eyebrows considering the BCB’s stand regarding India after the recent tension between the two boards involving the release of Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the upcoming IPL, despite KKR buying him for Rs 9.20 cr at the IPL auction in Nov. Following the decision, Bangladesh banned the telecast of the IPL in the country.

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Saikat, an elite umpire from the ICC who officiated in a couple of matches in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League T20 tournament, is currently working as the Head of the BCB’s Umpire Education Department. Born in Dhaka, he officiated in 32 Tests, 118 ODIs, 75 T20Is, 17 Women’s ODIs and 28 Women’s T20Is. A former left-arm spinner, Sharfuddoula represented Bangladesh in three matches and in March 2024, he became the first Bangladeshi to be included in the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. As per ICC regulations, umpires for ODIs are appointed under specific clauses. Clause 2.1.4 states that the ICC shall appoint one umpire for each ODI, who must not be from the same country as the participating teams and must be from the Elite Panel or International Panel. Clause 2.1.7 states that in matches where the Decision Review System (DRS) is used, the ICC will appoint a third umpire, who will act as the emergency on-field umpire and handle DRS-related duties. This umpire must also not be from the same country as the participating teams and must be selected from the Elite or International Panel. Saikat and Bangladesh’s ICC international umpire Gazi Sohel are expected to feature in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka, as match officials. As far as hosting sporting teams and events are concerned, India’s record is good. Kiwi players went out for a relaxed morning stroll in the streets here. Last month, the South African team strolled around in the hills of Dharamsala.

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