Controversial performance of Bangladeshi umpire Sharafuddaula in Vadodara ODI

New Delhi: Bangladesh umpire Sharafuddaula Saikat is currently officiating in the ODI series being held between India and New Zealand. He played the role of third umpire in the first ODI match being played at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. But, discussions have increased regarding his presence, because recently Bangladesh had expressed concerns about security in India.

Questions raised on security arrangements

Actually, Bangladesh Cricket Board had sent two letters to the International Cricket Council regarding the T20 World Cup to be held in India. In these letters, concerns were expressed over the security arrangements in India and a demand was made to hold their matches in some other country. Recently, on the instructions of BCCI, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman, after which Bangladesh made its displeasure clear.

BCB cleaning

With these incidents a serious question began to arise in the cricket community. If the Bangladesh Cricket Board does not consider India safe for its players, then why was a Bangladeshi umpire appointed in the same country? BCB has now clarified its stand on this issue.

Statement of Chairman of Umpire Committee

Bangladesh Cricket Board Umpire Committee Chairman Iftekhar Rahman clarified the situation in this regard. He said that Sharafuddaula Saikat’s contract is directly with ICC and not with BCB. He claimed that whatever umpiring responsibility is given to Saikat, it is on the initiative of ICC.

no interference in duty

According to the report, Iftekhar Rahman clarified that BCB has no interference in Saikat’s ICC duties. According to him, it is clearly written in Saikat’s contract that whenever he is given any assignment from ICC, he is automatically considered on leave from BCB. No permission or NOC is required for this.

‘Concerns were not taken seriously’

Earlier, Bangladesh Government’s Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul had also given a statement on this issue. He said that the Bangladesh national team will not compromise the dignity of the country by participating in any tournament. He also said that the BCB has received a letter from the ICC, but according to him the ICC is still not taking Bangladesh’s security concerns seriously.

Bangladesh in Group C

It is noteworthy that Bangladesh will start its campaign in the T20 World Cup on February 7 against West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Bangladesh team is in Group C, which also includes England, Italy and Nepal.