DUBAI: Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, a Bangladeshi umpire, made history by becoming the inaugural representative from his nation to be appointed to the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. His selection was confirmed as a result of the annual review and selection process conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The decision to elevate him was made by a selection committee led by ICC General Manager – Cricket, Wasim Khan (Chair), alongside former player and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, retired New Zealand umpire Tony Hill, and consultant officiating expert Mike Riley.
Having been a member of the International Panel since 2006, Sharfuddoula officiated his first international match in 2010, overseeing an ODI between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Mirpur.
In response to his appointment, Sharfuddoula expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is a great honor to be named on the ICC Elite Panel. To be the first from my country on the panel makes it extra special, and I look forward to justifying the faith shown in me.”
