Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat has once again made headlines with his impressive performance this time in the high-voltage Test match between England and India at Edgbaston. Saikat, the first Bangladeshi to be included in the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, continues to prove his caliber on the international stage with consistent and composed officiating.
In the second Test of the series, where India defeated England by a massive 336 runs to level the series 1–1, Saikat stood out for his accurate and confident decisions under pressure. His performance did not go unnoticed, as fans, experts, and even renowned Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle lauded him publicly.
Out of 10 reviews taken against Saikat’s decisions during the match, only two were overturned, meaning he was correct eight times, including some in highly tense situations. His cool demeanor and precision earned widespread appreciation, with many noting his growing stature in the umpiring world.
After the match, Harsha Bhogle posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“The umpiring was excellent in this match. You would expect standard umpiring from Chris Gaffaney, but Sharfuddoula Saikat was excellent.”
One of the most talked-about moments came on Day 5, when Ben Stokes was adjudged lbw by Saikat off Washington Sundar’s delivery in the 41st over. At first glance, the dismissal seemed unclear was it pad first or bat? Stokes reviewed the decision, clearly surprised by the call. However, replays confirmed Saikat’s accuracy: the ball had indeed hit pad first, and the decision stood.
Throughout the Test, Saikat remained composed and authoritative, handling several crucial moments with precision. His performance is being seen as a major boost for Bangladesh cricket, highlighting the country’s rising presence not just among players, but in elite umpiring as well.
As the cricketing world takes note, Sharfuddoula Saikat continues to set new benchmarks for umpires from associate and full-member nations alike. His consistency, calm under pressure, and sound judgment make him one of the standout officials on the global circuit today.
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FAQ
1. Why is Sharfuddoula Saikat being praised for his performance in the Edgbaston Test?
Answer:
Saikat impressed with his accuracy and composure during high-pressure moments. Out of 10 reviews against his decisions, 8 were upheld, showing a high level of precision. His decision-making in key moments, such as the dismissal of Ben Stokes, earned him widespread praise.
2. What recognition did Saikat receive after the match?
Answer:
Renowned Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle publicly praised on social media, highlighting his excellent umpiring alongside elite officials like Chris Gaffaney. Sharfuddoula Saikat performance was seen as one of the standout aspects of the match.
3. Is Sharfuddoula Saikat part of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires?
Answer:
Yes, Sharfuddoula Saikat is the first Bangladeshi umpire to be included in the ICC Elite Panel, which features the world’s top match officials. His performance at Edgbaston further validated his inclusion on this prestigious panel.