Sharfuddoula Ibne Shaid Saikat became the first Bangladeshi umpire to be included in 20 match officials for the league round of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. 

Currently an umpire of ICC's Emerging Umpire Panel, Saikat will be the fourth umpire in the opening match between England and New Zealand on October 5 in Ahmedabad, said a press release of the ICC today.

"Srinath will take charge of the tournament opener between the last event's finalists, England and New Zealand on October 5 in Ahmedabad. Menon and Dharmasena will be the standing umpires, with Paul Wilson as TV umpire and Saikat taking on fourth umpire duties," the release said.

"The officials have been named for the entirety of the League segment, with the selections for the semi-finals and final of the tournament to be named in due course," it added.

Saikat, who was a left arm spinner in his playing days, so far officiated nine Tests and 43 T20Is, highest for a Bangladeshi umpire. He also stood as umpire in 52 ODIs, second highest as a Bangladeshi umpire.

BDST: 1930 HRS, SEP 08, 2023
MN