BCB Moves to End Confusion Surrounding Umpire Sharafuddoula

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has issued an official clarification to end recent speculation surrounding ICC Elite Panel umpire Sharafuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat. In a statement released on Tuesday, the board made it clear that his contract was not terminated; it simply expired and was not renewed.

In recent days, several media outlets in Bangladesh reported different versions of the story. Some claimed that Sharafuddoula had been dropped, others suggested he had been dismissed, while some reported that he was not included in a new contract. The BCB said these reports had created confusion and therefore required a formal explanation.

Sharafuddoula became the first Bangladeshi umpire to join the ICC Elite Panel in March 2024. Since then, he has continued to officiate successfully at the international level and has retained his place among the world’s top umpires.

According to the BCB, he had been serving as a centrally contracted umpire. His original contract was due to expire in December 2025 and was later extended until April 2026. After the extended period ended, the board decided not to pursue a further renewal. The reason, the BCB explained, was that his responsibilities as an ICC Elite Panel umpire had increased significantly, reducing his availability for regular domestic duties under the board.

The board also noted that it is not common practice among Full Member nations to keep ICC Elite Panel umpires on central contracts. Balancing international officiating commitments with domestic scheduling requirements is often difficult, which is why many boards follow a similar approach.

Despite the decision, the BCB emphasized that its professional relationship with Sharafuddoula remains fully intact. Subject to his availability and international commitments, he will continue to be eligible to officiate in bilateral international series in Bangladesh as well as domestic first-class, List A, and T20 competitions.

As evidence of this continuing relationship, the board pointed out that even after his central contract expired, Sharafuddoula was appointed to officiate in Bangladesh’s T20I series against Australia in June 2026 under a similar arrangement.

When contacted by bdnews24.com, Sharafuddoula declined to comment in detail due to contractual obligations. However, he said that one media outlet had presented his remarks only partially.

Overall, the BCB’s message was clear: Sharafuddoula has not been removed from Bangladesh cricket; rather, his central contract was not renewed because of his growing ICC responsibilities, while the door remains open for him to continue contributing to the country’s cricket whenever he is available.