Amid the ongoing BCB -T20 World Cup fiasco, there is a latest development, that has raised the eyebrows of many. During the 1st ODI between India and New Zealand in Baroda, a Bangladeshi umpire — Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat was seen officiating in the match.
Bangladeshi Umpire in India
All this after the Bangladeshi board has been adamant to send their team to India, for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Actually, the entire mess had started when KKR withdrew their pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the squad, The BCB though wanted to participate in the tournament, but at an alternate location though.
But does umpire Saikat’s involvement in the IND vs NZ ODI in Baroda, signal anything? May be no. BCB’s umpire department chairman Iftekhar Rahman told Cricbuzz that the official did not need any NoC from the BCB, and was therefore free to leave, whenever needed.
Matter not in BCB’s Hands
“He (Saikat) is ICC contracted umpire and we are saying this clearly that he is not contracted with us (BCB),” said Iftekhar. Now, in our contract it is written that when he has any ICC assignment, he will automatically be on leave from us. It will be an automatic leave and I don’t need to give any NOC.
“In the job contract he has with me, it is written that if he has any ICC engagement, he must be automatically released. There is no authority for me to decide whether I give permission or not,” he said. As far as the T20 World Cup is concerned, apart from Saikat, Gazi Sohel will be part of the officiating team.
Cricket
IPL 2026 to begin from March 28? Two-day delay expected for tournament opener
