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Mustafizur Rahman and Sharfuddoula Saika (Source:@BCBtigers,x.com)
In a significant development, Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat has been appointed as the third umpire for the first ODI between India and New Zealand.
While umpire appointments are usually routine, Sharfuddoula Saikat's presence in the India-New Zealand series has drawn attention amid the strained relationship between the BCCI and the BCB.
The situation has become more sensitive following the recent controversy involving Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who was released from the Indian Premier League after a directive from the BCCI.
Bangladesh Umpire appointed for IND vs NZ 1st ODI
Despite the background noise, the ICC has appointed Sharfuddoula Saikat on its neutral officiating policy.
BCB’s umpire department chairman, Iftekhar Rahman, told Cricbuzz on Sunday that Saikat does not need a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the board. He explained that Saikat's contract clearly says he is free to leave whenever the ICC calls him for duty.
"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.
Who is Sharfuddoula Saikat?
Sharfuddoula Saikat's journey in umpiring is a story of dedication and many historic achievements for Bangladesh.
One of the proudest moments for Saikat and for Bangladesh cricket came when he was promoted to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.
This is the highest level an umpire can reach in world cricket, and his selection showed the trust the ICC has in his judgment. It is important to mention that he became the first Bangladeshi umpire to reach this level.
Saikat has already officiated in many major tournaments. He was part of five matches in the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. He also created history by becoming the first Bangladeshi on-field umpire to officiate in the famous Ashes Test series between Australia and England.
The Ashes is one of the most intense and respected rivalries in cricket, and officiating in such a series is a significant achievement for any umpire. Along with on-field duties, Saikat also worked as a TV umpire.
Mustafizur Rahman IPL row sparks wider IND-BAN Fallout
The backdrop to Saikat's appointment is the controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman. He was bought by KKR for Rs 9.2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction. The left-arm pacer was later released following instructions from the BCCI.
In response, the BCB held an emergency board meeting and decided to approach the ICC with a request to move Bangladesh's T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India. Bangladesh is scheduled to play three group matches of the global tournament in Kolkata and Mumbai in February 2026.
Adding fuel to the fire, Bangladesh's Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul publicly stated that the Bangladesh team is "not safe in India" and suggested that their World Cup matches should be shifted to Sri Lanka.
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