The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has finally addressed questions around Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat officiating in the first ODI between India and New Zealand in Vadodara.
The clarification comes at a time when the BCB has raised serious concerns over playing the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches in India.
No NOC Needed for ICC Assignment: BCB
A senior BCB official confirmed that Sharfuddoula Saikat did not require any No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the board to officiate in the ODI.
The reason is simple: Saikat is an ICC-contracted umpire, not a BCB-contracted official. This means his international assignments are directly managed by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
See Also: ICC Likely to Suggest Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram for Bangladesh Matches
What BCB’s Umpire Department Said
BCB Umpire Department Chairman Iftekhar Rahman explained the situation clearly. According to him, whenever Saikat receives an ICC assignment, he is automatically released from BCB duties.
Key Points Explained by BCB
- Saikat is not under BCB contract
- ICC assignments do not require BCB permission
- BCB has no authority to stop him from officiating in India
- ICC duty automatically puts him on leave from BCB work
This statement was meant to clear confusion around Saikat’s presence in India during the ODI.
The timing of Saikat officiating in India is important because the BCB has already requested the ICC to shift Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches out of India, citing security concerns.
Saikat’s smooth participation in an international match in India may now be used by the ICC as an example to counter those concerns.
Bangladeshi Officials Set to Officiate in T20 World Cup
Not just Saikat, but another Bangladeshi umpire Gazi Sohel is also expected to be part of the officiating panel during the T20 World Cup.
This strengthens ICC’s position that official duties in India are continuing normally.
BCB Still Waiting for ICC’s Reply
BCB President Aminul Islam confirmed that the board has not yet received any official response from the ICC regarding its request.
He stated that all documents and concerns have already been shared and the board’s stand remains unchanged.
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Venue Change Within India Not Acceptable: BCB
The BCB president also made it clear that shifting matches to another Indian city is not a solution.
According to him:
- Any city within India is still an Indian venue
- Decisions cannot be taken without government approval
- BCB will not move forward without ICC’s written response
The board has decided to wait before taking any further steps.
| Topic | Update |
|---|---|
| Umpire NOC | Not required |
| Saikat’s Status | ICC-contracted umpire |
| ODI Officiating | Fully approved |
| T20 WC Concern | Still unresolved |
| ICC Reply | Awaited |
| BCB Position | Unchanged |
While the BCB continues to hold firm on its concerns about playing T20 World Cup matches in India, the presence of a Bangladeshi umpire officiating an international match in Vadodara has added a new dimension to the debate.
With the tournament approaching fast, the ICC’s response is now keenly awaited, as it will shape the next steps for Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026.
