The presence of a Bangladesh umpire in the opening ODI between India and New Zealand has sparked fresh debate, especially as the Bangladesh Cricket Board raises security concerns over travelling to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Responding to the chatter, the BCB has now made its position clear.
What sparked the discussion?
Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat was seen officiating the first ODI between India national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team at the BCA Stadium on Sunday. This came at a time when the Bangladesh Cricket Board has expressed unease about sending its men’s team to India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, citing security concerns.
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That contrast led to questions online and among fans: if safety is a concern, why is a Bangladeshi official working in India?
BCB’s explanation
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Iftekhar Rahman, head of the BCB’s umpire department, clarified that Saikat is an International Cricket Council-contracted umpire and does not require any clearance from the BCB.
According to Rahman, Saikat’s contract clearly states that any ICC assignment automatically takes priority. When the ICC calls, he is released by default, without the need for a no-objection certificate.
In simple terms, the decision wasn’t the BCB’s to make.
The wider context
The issue sits against the backdrop of a recent strain in India–Bangladesh cricket relations, including disagreements over Mustafizur Rahman and his availability for the Indian Premier League, where he is associated with Kolkata Knight Riders.
Amid these developments, the BCB has reportedly written to the ICC, requesting that Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches not be scheduled in India. The board has maintained that its concerns are specific to team travel and player safety, not to officials operating under ICC protocols.
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What’s next?
Despite the controversy, Saikat is expected to continue officiating at the international level. He, along with fellow Bangladeshi umpire Gazi Sohel, is likely to be part of the match officials’ panel for the 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
For now, the BCB insists there is no contradiction—umpires on ICC duty and national teams on tournament travel are governed by very different rules.
