A Bangladesh Cricket Board official confirmed that umpire Sharafuddaula 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 the ICC-appointed umpire for the series.
Saikat became the first umpire from Bangladesh to be included in the ICC elite panel. He has consistently built a strong reputation as a top class umpire in international cricket. Saikat now regularly officiates in some of the world’s biggest series, including high-profile competitions such as the Ashes and other Test matches.
India-Bangladesh cricket relations tense after Mustafizur Rahman’s release
Cricket relations between India and Bangladesh have become strained after Mustafizur Rahman was released from Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 squad following the instructions of the Indian Cricket Board. Bangladesh officials and players were upset by the sudden decision.
It is noteworthy that Bangladesh Cricket Board had expressed concern about the safety of its players in India. The board informed the ICC that it is not ready to tour India for upcoming events including the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh also took steps like stopping the telecast of IPL to show its displeasure.
The issue attracted wide attention as ICC officials held meetings in Mumbai to discuss the growing controversy. 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 Sharafuddaula 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
Sharafuddaulah Ibne Shahid Saikat does not require special permission from the board to officiate in matches outside the country. BCB Umpire Department Chairman Iftikhar Rahman said that Saikat works directly under ICC contract, and BCB has no role whenever ICC assigns him matches.
“He (Saikat) is an ICC contracted umpire and we are clearly saying that he is not contracted to us (BCB),” Iftikhar was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
He said, “Now, it is written in our contract that when he has any ICC work, he will automatically be on leave from us. It will be an automatic leave and I am not required to give any NOC. It is written in his job contract with me that if he has any ICC work, he should be automatically released. I have no authority to decide whether I give permission or not.”
ICC has not yet decided on Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 match venues
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7 and Bangladesh currently has to play all its four group matches in India. Of these, three matches are planned in Kolkata, while one match is scheduled to be played in Mumbai.
Bangladesh have said that they are not willing to travel to India due to security concerns. The International Cricket Council is yet to respond publicly and has asked Bangladesh to clearly state the issues raised.
It is noteworthy that ICC has not given any indication to shift Bangladesh’s matches from India to Sri Lanka. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has said that the ICC is open to discussion and is ready to work with them to review the concerns. No final decision has been taken yet.
Also read: Pakistan declares itself co-host of T20 World Cup 2026, takes over India’s Bangladesh matches