Bangladeshi Umpires Appointed for T20 World Cup Duty

While the Bangladesh national squad may be absent from the upcoming T20 World Cup, the nation’s presence will still be felt on the pitch through its officiating elite. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the panel of match officials for the tournament, confirming that two Bangladeshi umpires—Sarfuddoula Ibne Shahid and Gazi Sohel—have been selected to uphold the laws of the game on the world stage.

The Rise of Bangladesh’s Officiating Talent

Sarfuddoula Ibne Shahid continues to be a trailblazer for Bangladeshi officiating. As the first and only umpire from the country to be inducted into the prestigious ICC Elite Panel, his inclusion comes as no surprise. Sarfuddoula brings a wealth of experience to the tournament, having previously stood in high-pressure World Cup fixtures. His recent assignment officiating the clash between India and New Zealand further solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable figures in international cricket.

Joining him is Gazi Sohel, a member of the ICC International Panel. While Sohel has extensive experience officiating in women’s World Cups and domestic leagues, this appointment marks a significant milestone in his career: his debut in the men’s T20 World Cup.

Career Statistics of the Selected Umpires

The following table highlights the vast international experience these two officials bring to the tournament:

Tournament Overview and Key Appointments

The ICC has appointed a total of 24 umpires and 6 match referees to manage the global event. The tournament is scheduled to commence on 7 February at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground, where the Netherlands will face Pakistan. That opening fixture will be overseen by Kumar Dharmasena and Wayne Knights.

Cricket enthusiasts are particularly looking forward to the high-octane encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on 15 February. The ICC has assigned veteran officials Richard Illingworth and Kumar Dharmasena to handle the immense pressure of that specific clash.

The Full Roster of Match Referees

The oversight of the tournament’s disciplinary and technical aspects will be managed by a distinguished group of match referees, including:

• Ranjan Madugalle

• Richie Richardson

• Javagal Srinath

• Andrew Pycroft

• David Gilbert

• Dean Cosker

The inclusion of Sarfuddoula and Sohel serves as a testament to the growing standard of cricket officiating in Bangladesh, ensuring the nation remains represented at the highest level of the sport despite the team’s withdrawal due to security concerns.