Bangladeshi Umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Shaikat has made history as the first Bangladeshi umpire to join the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.
The announcement follows the International Cricket Council's (ICC) annual review.
A selection panel made up of ICC General Manager Cricket Wasim Khan (Chair), Sanjay Manjrekar (former player and commentator), Tony Hill (retired umpire), and Mike Riley (consultant officiating expert) chose Sharfuddoula for the promotion.
Since joining the International Panel in 2006, Sharfuddoula has extensive experience, having officiated 10 men's test matches, 63 men's ODIs, 44 men's T20Is, 13 women's ODIs, and 28 Women's T20Is.
He has also participated in major tournaments like the ICC Women's Cricket World Cups (2017 and 2021), the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2018.
“It is a great honour to be named on the ICC Elite Panel. To be the first from my country on the panel makes it extra special, and I look forward to justifying the faith shown in me…,” Sharfuddoula was quoted by the ICC.
“I would like to thank the ICC and the BCB for backing me and my other colleagues for all their help and guidance. I would also like to thank my family and friends for standing by and supporting me," he added.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
