Sharfuddoula Becomes Bangladesh’s First ICC Elite Umpire

Sharfuddoula has created history by becoming the first Bangladeshi umpire to be appointed to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. His appointment was confirmed following the International Cricket Council’s annual review and selection process.

The Selection Process

The decision to elevate Sharfuddoula from the Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires was taken by a selection panel comprising of ICC General Manager – Cricket, Wasim Khan (Chair), former player and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, retired New Zealand umpire Tony Hill, and consultant officiating expert Mike Riley.

A Veteran Umpire

The 47-year-old Sharfuddoula has been a part of the International Panel since 2006, with his first international appointment coming in 2010 when he officiated an ODI between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Mirpur.

Trailblazing Achievements

Sharfuddoula has been a trailblazer in many respects. He was the first Bangladesh umpire to stand in an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, officiating five matches in last year’s Cricket World Cup in India. He also stood in the exciting Brisbane Test between Australia and West Indies, becoming just the second Bangladesh umpire to have officiated as a neutral umpire in a Test.

Extensive Experience

In his career so far, Sharfuddoula has been an on-field umpire in 10 Men’s Test Matches, 63 Men’s ODIs, and 44 Men’s T20Is. He has also featured on-field in 13 Women’s ODIs and 28 Women’s T20Is. Besides the Men’s Cricket World Cup, he has also stood in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 and 2022, as well as the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2018.

Excited for the New Challenge

Expressing his excitement at the appointment, Sharfuddoula looks forward to living up to the backing, stating, “It is a great honor to be named on the ICC Elite Panel.”