Bangladesh cricket has a reason to celebrate as Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid becomes the first umpire from the nation to be included in the prestigious ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. This historic achievement comes after a rigorous annual review and selection process conducted by the International Cricket Council.
Sharfuddoula’s journey to the elite panel began in 2010 when he officiated his first international match – an ODI between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Mirpur. Since then, he has steadily risen through the ranks, accumulating a wealth of experience.
He was elevated from the ICC International Panel of Umpires based on his impressive performances, earning the respect of the selection committee led by ICC General Manager – Cricket, Wasim Khan. Other esteemed members of the panel included former player and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, retired New Zealand umpire Tony Hill, and consultant officiating expert Mike Riley.
Sharfuddoula boasts an impressive resume, having stood as an on-field umpire in a significant number of matches across formats. He has officiated in 10 Men’s Test Matches, 63 Men’s ODIs, and 44 Men’s T20Is. His experience extends to women’s cricket as well, having officiated in 13 Women’s ODIs and 28 Women’s T20Is.
His dedication and talent have also seen him selected for high-profile global tournaments. Sharfuddoula has stood as an umpire in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cups of 2017 and 2021, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2018.
Sharfuddoula’s inclusion in the elite panel is a significant milestone for Bangladesh cricket. Not only does it showcase his individual excellence, but it also paves the way for future Bangladeshi umpires to aspire for the highest level. The cricketing community in Bangladesh will undoubtedly be celebrating this achievement, and fans will be eager to see Sharfuddoula continue to excel on the international stage.
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