Rajkot | 14 January 2026:

An unusual situation unfolded in international cricket as a Bangladeshi match official continued officiating in India, even as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) maintained its decision not to travel to the country for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The development was noticed during the second ODI between India and New Zealand.

Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat was on duty during the ODI series, serving as the TV umpire in the opening match at Vadodara and continuing in the same role in the second ODI at Rajkot. In that match, he also acted as the third umpire, while Richard Illingworth and Rohan Pandit handled the on-field responsibilities.

At the same time, the BCB has repeatedly requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches out of India, citing security concerns. The tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, with Bangladesh set to play group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. After a recent video conference with ICC officials, the BCB reiterated that its concerns remain unresolved and its stance unchanged.

The ICC has responded by stating that the tournament schedule has already been finalised and urged the BCB to reconsider in view of logistical and organisational arrangements. However, the Bangladesh board has stressed that the safety of its players, officials and staff remains its top priority. The issue reportedly gained further attention after the BCCI asked IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, a move believed to be linked to recent political tensions between the two countries.

 BCB Sticks to T20 World Cup Stand, Yet Bangladeshi Umpire Continues Duty in India

A unique situation has emerged in international cricket as a Bangladeshi match official continued officiating in India, even while the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains firm on its decision not to travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The development came during the second ODI between India and New Zealand, raising questions over the board’s strict stance.

Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat was seen on duty during the ODI series in India. He served as the TV umpire in the first match at Vadodara and continued in the same role during the second ODI in Rajkot, where New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first. In the match, Sharfuddoula also acted as the third umpire, while Richard Illingworth and Rohan Pandit officiated on the field.

Meanwhile, the BCB has repeatedly urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches out of India, citing security concerns. The tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, with Bangladesh slated to play group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. After a recent video conference with ICC officials, the BCB reiterated that its concerns remain unresolved and its position unchanged.

The ICC, however, has made it clear that the tournament schedule is already finalised and has asked the BCB to reconsider, keeping logistical challenges in mind. Despite this, the Bangladesh board has stated that the safety of its players, officials and staff is its top priority. Tensions reportedly intensified after the BCCI asked IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, a move believed to be linked to recent political strain between the two nations.