While the Bangladesh national team will be absent from the upcoming T20 World Cup, the nation’s presence will still be felt on the global stage through its officiating talent. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially released the list of match officials for the tournament, confirming that two prominent Bangladeshi umpires, Shorfuddoula Ibne Shahid and Gazi Sohel, have been selected to join the elite roster.
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A Historic Milestone for Bangladeshi Officiating
Shorfuddoula Ibne Shahid, a trailblazer in Bangladeshi cricket, remains the only umpire from the country to be inducted into the prestigious ICC Elite Panel. With a wealth of experience across all formats, Shorfuddoula is no stranger to the high-pressure environment of World Cup matches. His recent appointment to officiate the India-New Zealand series earlier this month further cemented his reputation as one of the game’s most reliable officials.
Joining him is Gazi Sohel, a member of the ICC International Panel. While Sohel has previously overseen matches in the Women’s World Cup, this appointment marks his debut in the men’s edition of the tournament. His rise through the ranks reflects the growing standard of umpiring within the region.
Tournament Overview and Key Assignments
The ICC has appointed a total of 24 umpires and 6 match referees to ensure the smooth conduct of the competition. The tournament is scheduled to commence on 7 February at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, featuring a clash between the Netherlands and Pakistan.
| Match Details | Date | Venue | On-Field Umpires |
| Netherlands vs Pakistan | 7 February | SSC Ground | Kumar Dharmasena & Wayne Knights |
| India vs Pakistan | 15 February | TBD | Richard Illingworth & Kumar Dharmasena |
Career Statistics of Bangladeshi Officials
The selection of these two officials is backed by extensive domestic and international experience:
Shorfuddoula Ibne Shahid: 32 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 75 T20Is.
Gazi Sohel: 4 Tests, 21 ODIs, and 59 T20Is.
The Full Panel of Officials
The ICC has assembled a diverse team of veterans to manage the tournament’s proceedings. The Match Referees include legends such as Ranjan Madugalle and Javagal Srinath. The Umpiring Panel features seasoned names like Richard Kettleborough, Nitin Menon, and Rodney Tucker, alongside the Bangladeshi duo.
Despite the disappointment of the national team’s withdrawal due to security concerns in the host nation, the inclusion of Shorfuddoula and Sohel ensures that the Bangladeshi flag continues to fly in the highest echelons of international cricket.