Two Bangladeshi Umpires Confirmed for T20 World Cup

While the Bangladesh national cricket team will not be participating in the upcoming T20 World Cup due to security concerns regarding the host nation, the country’s presence will still be felt on the grandest stage. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially released the list of match officials for the tournament, confirming that two distinguished Bangladeshi umpires—Sarfuddoula Ibne Shahid and Gazi Sohel—have been selected to officiate.

The Rise of Bangladeshi Match Officials

The inclusion of Sarfuddoula Ibne Shahid comes as little surprise to the global cricketing community. As the first and only Bangladeshi to be inducted into the prestigious ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, Sarfuddoula has become a mainstay in international cricket. His vast experience includes officiating in 32 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 75 T20Is. Notably, he recently officiated the high-stakes encounter between India and New Zealand, maintaining his sharp form ahead of the World Cup.

In contrast, the tournament marks a significant milestone for Gazi Sohel. While he has previously managed fixtures in the Women’s World Cup, this selection represents his maiden call-up to the Men’s T20 World Cup. A member of the ICC International Panel, Sohel brings a solid record of 4 Tests, 21 ODIs, and 59 T20Is to the tournament.

Tournament Overview and Key Appointments

The ICC has appointed a total of 24 umpires and 6 match referees to oversee the competition. The tournament is scheduled to commence on 7 February at the Sinhalese Sports Club, featuring an opening clash between the Netherlands and Pakistan.

The Full List of Match Referees

The oversight of player conduct and tournament regulations will be managed by a seasoned group of referees:

Dean Cosker, David Gilbert, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson, and Javagal Srinath.

Elite Umpiring Panel

The 24-man umpiring squad features a blend of veteran experience and rising talent from across the globe, including household names such as Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, alongside Bangladesh’s pioneering duo. Their presence ensures that even in the absence of the “Tigers” on the field, the technical expertise of Bangladesh cricket remains represented at the highest echelon of the sport.