Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat is poised to make history as the first Bangladeshi umpire to officiate in a Cricket World Cup. This significant achievement underscores Saikat’s stature as one of Bangladesh’s finest umpires. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has included him in the 16-member umpiring panel for the eagerly anticipated 2023 World Cup, set to take place in India from October 5 to November 19.
Saikat’s impressive career has seen him officiate in a total of 13 Test matches, 85 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 59 T20 Internationals (T20Is). Adding a World Cup to his illustrious list of accomplishments is a cherished dream come true. However, for Saikat, officiating in a Test match remains the pinnacle of his career, a testament to his dedication and hard work.
Reflecting on this milestone, Saikat expressed, “It’s obviously a dream to officiate in the forthcoming ICC World Cup. It’s an honor and a privilege, and a huge achievement for me to become the first Bangladeshi to officiate in the World Cup. It’s been the result of a process, and I have earned it through dedication and hard work.”
Saikat’s journey to becoming a Test match umpire was marked by persistence. He recalled, “There was a time when I had my doubts whether I’d be considered for a Test match because I’d already been an international umpire for 10 to 12 years before I got the chance. I must have proved that I am capable of handling the pressure of a Test match. And after the Test, I had a feeling that better things would come my way because my confidence grew higher following that Test against West Indies.”
Having officiated in nine Test matches as an on-field umpire, Saikat’s exceptional performance paved the way for his inclusion in the World Cup panel.
Saikat’s journey includes officiating in various ICC events, such as the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, ICC Women’s World Cup, and Under-19 World Cup. This experience has been instrumental in his growth as an umpire.
Looking ahead to the challenges of officiating at the World Cup, Saikat emphasized the critical role of preparation. He stated, “Preparation plays a huge part. People have a wrong perception about umpires, thinking we are only there to raise and lower our fingers, and we even have the assistance of DRS. There is more to it: you have to leave behind all kinds of emotions before the start of the play and carry on with your job irrespective of what is going through your mind.”
Umpiring, as Saikat explained, demands resilience and the ability to bounce back from mistakes, especially in the face of public scrutiny. He highlighted the rigorous preparation umpires undertake, including studying videos of incidents and observing bowlers’ actions in the nets.
Saikat acknowledged that umpires, like cricketers, can have “bad days” but stressed the importance of staying focused on the next decision. He recognized that dwelling on past errors can lead to further mistakes, making mental fortitude a crucial aspect of umpiring.
Saikat believes that his appointment to the World Cup panel will inspire aspiring Bangladeshi umpires to reach for greater heights. “I think my officiating at the World Cup will be inspiring for other umpires from Bangladesh. When they have the belief that it is possible to reach this far, they will be motivated to do better.”
Among the 16 umpires selected for the 2023 World Cup, 12 are from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, while four are members of the ICC Emerging Umpires’ Panel. Saikat’s inclusion represents a significant milestone for Bangladesh and is a testament to his dedication and passion for umpiring in the world of cricket.