The storied tradition of Test cricket, The Ashes, has begun. Winning the toss in today’s opening Test in Perth, England has opted to bat first. Amid this historic contest, Bangladesh has also made its mark: elite panel umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat has become the first Bangladeshi official to be appointed in an Ashes match.
Saikat has been appointed TV umpire for the opening Ashes Test, working alongside on-field umpires Nitin Menon of India and Adrian Holdstock of South Africa.
Australia’s Shon Craig will act as the fourth umpire, while Sri Lanka’s veteran official Ranjan Madugalle takes charge as match referee.
The milestone deepens in the second Test beginning 4 December in Brisbane, where Saikat will step into one of the sport’s most scrutinized roles—on-field umpire in an Ashes match. He will partner Holdstock in the middle, with Menon transitioning to the TV umpire’s box for that contest.
Saikat’s appointments in the opening two Tests underscore Bangladesh’s rising stature within global cricket officiating structures, reflecting both his personal excellence and the nation’s growing influence in elite cricket administration.
The Bangladeshi umpire will not oversee the remaining three Tests of the series. The third Test starts on 17 December, the fourth on 26 December, and the fifth on 4 January, with New Zealand’s Jeff Crowe serving as match referee for the final phase of the marquee contest.
Saikat’s Ashes debut marks not only a career highlight for the respected official but also a moment of pride for Bangladesh—signifying a new chapter in the country’s cricketing footprint on the world stage.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
