BCB issues clarification over umpire's status

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) moved on Tuesday to set the record straight regarding the status of ICC Elite Panel umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat, making clear that his contract was not terminated, as had been reported, but was simply not renewed after it concluded in April 2026.

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken note of recent media reports concerning International Cricket Council (ICC) Elite Panel Umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat's engagement with the Board, which may have caused some confusion or misunderstanding about his current status," the BCB said in a statement.

Contract timeline explained

Outlining the sequence of events, the board detailed how the umpire's deal had run its natural course rather than being cut short.

"Sharfuddoula was under contract with the Board as a BCB Umpire. His contract expired in December 2025 and was subsequently extended until April 2026. Following the completion of the extended term, no further extension of the contract was pursued taking into account Sharfuddoula's growing responsibilities as an ICC Elite Panel Umpire and the possibility that these could reduce the opportunities for him to contribute to the BCB in the same capacity. His previous contract with the Board therefore concluded in April 2026," the statement said.

Elite Panel demands behind the decision

The BCB also pointed out that central contracts for ICC Elite Panel umpires are uncommon across the cricketing world, given the scheduling conflicts that inevitably arise between international duties and domestic requirements.

"It may also be noted that placing ICC Elite Panel Umpires under central contracts is not standard practice among Full Member countries, largely because of the difficulty of balancing their international officiating commitments with the scheduling requirements of national boards," the board added.

Door remains open for future assignments

Crucially, the board stressed that the end of the contract does not mean the end of Sharfuddoula's involvement with Bangladesh cricket. The BCB confirmed it "may engage Sharfuddoula for bilateral international series as well as domestic First Class, List A and T20 competitions, subject to his availability."

That arrangement is already in effect. "At the conclusion of his contract in April 2026, Sharfuddoula was appointed by the BCB to officiate in the T20I series against Australia in June 2026 under a similar arrangement," the statement noted — underlining that one of the country's most respected officials will remain a familiar presence on the field despite the change in his contractual status.