2024-03-29 07:10:25
Many ‘firsts’ have been written in the name of Sharfuddaula Ibn Shaheed Saikat in the umpiring history of Bangladesh. But this time it seems that the biggest success was caught in his umpiring world. As the first umpire of Bangladesh, Sharfuddaula joined the most prestigious elite panel of ICC. The joy of the 47-year-old umpire is manifold because of the ‘first’.
Sharfuddaula, who got a chance in the elite panel, said, ‘It is a great honor to be named in the elite panel of the ICC. Being the first person in our country makes it even more special. I look forward to repaying the trust reposed in me. I have had some experience over the years and am ready to take on more challenging responsibilities.’
Sharfuddaula was the first umpire of Bangladesh to direct the ODI World Cup match. Served onfield duty as the first umpire in a test match outside the country. This time, Bangladesh entered the door of the elite panel holding his hand.
Sharfuddaula made his international umpiring debut in 2010 against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Mirpur ODI. He has been around the cricket field for a long time. Consistently officiated matches at bilateral, ICC and continental events. He was at the top of the ’emerging’ panel of ICC umpires.
The recent retirement of umpire Marais Erasmus raises the possibility of Sharafuddaula’s inclusion in the elite panel. Sharfuddaula thanked everyone concerned for this achievement, ‘Thanks to ICC and BCB for supporting me. Thanks also to my other colleagues for help and guidance. I would also like to thank my family and friends for supporting me.’