Currently, Bangladesh’s top umpire, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat, is in India as an ICC Representative, officiating as a Match Official in the ongoing ODI series between India and New Zealand. An official of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Sunday that Saikat’s trip to India was only in accordance with his ICC contract.
BCB Clarifies Saikat’s Role Amid Travel Concerns
This clears up the matter in wake of all the recent attention following the BCB’s expression of security concerns regarding the safety of its national squad traveling to India for the ICC T20 World Cup. This has come into the limelight due to recent tensions between the BCB and the Kolkata Knight Riders of the IPL regarding Mustafizur Rahman.
Amidst such apprehensions, Saikat was spotted umpiring in a television umpiring role in the first ODI between the two nations at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.
No NOC Required for ICC Assignments
Commenting on the matter, Iftekhar Rahman, chairman of BCB’s umpire department, revealed why Sharfuddoula Saikat doesn’t need a No Objection Certificate from BCB in order to work with ICC.
Talking to Cricbuzz, Rahman said that “Saikat’s terms and conditions clearly define his work tenure in terms of his availability for ICC work. This automatically puts him on a leave related to BCB work whenever he is needed.”
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ICC Contract Overrides Domestic Commitments
Rahman emphasized that Saikat does not work under contract with the BCB as an umpire. Moreover, he has a prime engagement with the ICC. As such, the ICC possesses total rights in assigning him across the world.
“Sharfuddoula Saikat has been hired as an umpire by the ICC. When the ICC gives a call, he automatically gets released from the BCB,” said Rahman, explaining the process of umpire selection in Bangladesh cricket.
Dual Role: ICC Umpire and BCB Official
While working internationally as an ICC Representative, Saikat also works domestically as the Head of BCB’s Umpire Education Department. He recently performed duties in a few matches during the Bangladesh Premier League, which showed his involvement in Bangladesh cricket administration.
Probable ENG Squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Looking ahead, Sharfuddoula Saikat, along with his fellow Bangladeshi international umpire Gazi Sohel, is expected to join the officiating panel at the ICC T20 World Cup to be staged jointly by India and Sri Lanka.
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