A Bangladesh Cricket Board official confirmed that umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat is currently in India for the ongoing ODI series between India and New Zealand. He is officiating as a match official, and the board clarified that his presence in India is part of his duties as an ICC-appointed umpire for the series.
Saikat became the first umpire from Bangladesh to earn a place on the ICC Elite Panel. He has steadily built a strong reputation in international cricket as a top-level umpire. Saikat now regularly officiates in some of the biggest series in the world, including high-profile contests like the Ashes and other Test matches.
India-Bangladesh Cricket Ties Strained After Mustafizur Rahman’s Release
Cricket relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained after Mustafizur Rahman was released from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 squad following instructions from the Indian cricket board. The sudden decision upset Bangladesh officials and players.
Notably, the Bangladesh Cricket Board raised concerns about the safety of its players in India. The board informed the ICC that it is not ready to tour India for the upcoming events, including the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh also took steps, such as stopping IPL telecasts, to show its displeasure.
The issue gained wider attention as ICC officials held meetings in Mumbai to discuss the growing dispute. Bangladesh officials described Mustafizur’s release as unfair and influenced by political pressure rather than cricketing reasons.
Amid the controversy, many were surprised to see Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat officiating in India during the ODI series against New Zealand, despite Bangladesh’s strong stance on security concerns.
ICC Contract Allows Saikat to Officiate Without BCB NOC
Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat does not need special permission from the board to officiate matches outside the country. BCB umpire department chairman Iftekhar Rahman said that Saikat works directly under an ICC contract, and the BCB has no role whenever the ICC assigns him a match.
“He (Saikat) is ICC contracted umpire and we are saying this clearly that he is not contracted with us (BCB),” said Iftekhar, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“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 added.
ICC Yet to Decide on Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 Match Venues
The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, and Bangladesh are currently scheduled to play all four of their group matches in India. Three of those games are planned in Kolkata, while one match is set to be played in Mumbai.
Bangladesh have said they are not willing to travel to India due to security concerns. The International Cricket Council has not responded publicly so far and has asked Bangladesh to clearly explain the issues being raised.
Notably, the ICC has not shown any indication of shifting Bangladesh’s matches from India to Sri Lanka. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has said the ICC is open to discussions and willing to work with them to review the concerns. No final decision has been taken yet.
Also read: Pakistan declares itself T20 World Cup 2026 co-host, hijacks India’s Bangladesh matches
