BCB stays away, umpire stays on: Bangladesh umpire officiates India-New Zealand ODI amid T20 World Cup travel impasse | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Even as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reiterated its refusal to send its national team to India for next month’s T20 World Cup, a Bangladeshi official continues to officiate on Indian soil, highlighting a stark contrast between administrative posture and cricket operations.Go beyond borders with our YouTube channel. REGISTER NOW!During discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday, the BCB once again made clear its decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns and requesting that Bangladesh’s World Cup group matches be moved to co-host Sri Lanka. The global event begins on February 7, with Bangladesh scheduled to play their four group matches in India.
Despite this tough stance, Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddula Ibne Shahid Saikat is officiating in the ongoing three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand. After serving as a TV umpire in the first ODI in Vadodara, Saikat is again part of the match officials’ team for the second ODI in Rajkot, as the TV/third umpire, just as he was involved in the series opener.This view has raised eyebrows, especially given the strained relationship between the two boards. Tensions escalated earlier this month after Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released from his IPL contract with Kolkata Knight Riders, despite being bought for Rs 9.2 crore in the December auction. The decision triggered strong reactions in Dhaka and eventually led to Bangladesh banning local broadcasts of the IPL.
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In this context, Saikat’s presence in India highlights the independent process of appointing match referees by the ICC. As per ICC regulations, umpires in ODIs – including the third umpire when DRS is used – are appointed by the ICC from elite or international panels and must be neutral, regardless of bilateral tensions.Saikat, an ICC elite panel umpire since March 2024, has officiated in 32 Tests, 119 ODIs and 75 T20Is, and is currently also the head of the BCB umpire training department. He and other Bangladeshi officials are also expected to officiate at the upcoming T20 World Cup.
