BCB clears umpire Saikat’s contract confusion

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has clarified the reasons behind ICC Elite Panel umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat's ending of contract with the board, addressing recent speculation surrounding the issue.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the BCB said Saikat's decision was not linked to any controversy but was instead due to the expiry of his contract and his growing international commitments.

According to the BCB, Saikat was under contract with the board, which was originally set to expire in December 2025.

The agreement was later extended until April 2026. After the extended term ended, the contract was not renewed. The board explained that, as an ICC Elite Panel umpire, Saikat's international assignments have increased significantly, making it difficult for him to continue serving the BCB on a regular basis.

The BCB also noted that among ICC Full Member nations, it is not common practice for Elite Panel umpires to remain on their national board's central contract. However, depending on operational requirements and Saikat's availability, he may continue to officiate in international bilateral series hosted by Bangladesh as well as domestic first-class, List A, and T20 competitions. For this reason, even after his contract had expired, he was appointed to officiate in the T20 series against Australia in June 2026.

Recent speculation suggested that Saikat had resigned in protest after the reversal of Towhid Hridoy's disciplinary punishment during the 2025 Dhaka Premier League. The BCB, however, has firmly rejected that claim, stating that the expiry of his contract and his increased international responsibilities were the sole reasons behind the decision.