In the world of cricket, the image of Bangladeshi umpires has often been overshadowed by the theatrics of players like Shakib Al Hasan. However, Sharfuddoula Ibn Shahid is challenging this stereotype and making significant strides for Bangladeshi umpires on the global stage.
In a recent blockbuster Test match in Brisbane, Sharfuddoula officiated as a neutral umpire, marking only the second time a Bangladeshi umpire had achieved this distinction in Test cricket. His competent performance in Brisbane follows a series of notable assignments, including officiating in five World Cup matches in India, where he became the first Bangladeshi umpire in the tournament’s history. Moreover, he holds the distinction of being the first from Bangladesh to officiate in both formats of the women’s World Cups.
Despite these recent achievements, Bangladesh’s umpiring history at the international level has been relatively modest. Previous instances, such as Masudur Rahman standing in the Asia Cup final and Enamul Haque officiating as a neutral umpire in a Test in 2012, are sporadic. The late Nadir Shah also had a notable appearance in an India-Pakistan final during a 2008 tri-series.
However, the country’s umpires have not been immune to scandals and controversies, with occasional errors drawing attention. Notably, there were allegations of umpires being involved in manipulating domestic limited-overs matches, leading to a decline in the perception of their professionalism.
The overall lack of top-tier umpires and match referees from Bangladesh has been evident in the absence of neutral assignments from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Unlike some other cricketing nations, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has not prioritized developing a comprehensive pathway for umpire development.
Despite the challenges faced by Bangladeshi umpires, Sharfuddoula stands out as a trailblazer. The intense pressure experienced in domestic leagues, particularly the Dhaka Premier League, where umpires are subject to scrutiny, could potentially equip them to handle top-level pressure with the right training and international exposure. However, the ICC has remained cautious, limiting neutral appointments to home ODIs.
Sharfuddoula, a former left-arm spinner who represented Bangladesh in the ICC Trophy in 1994, transitioned to umpiring in 2007 after a brief coaching stint. His international debut came in 2010, officiating alongside Simon Taufel in a Bangladesh-Sri Lanka ODI. While he had to wait 11 years for a Test match opportunity, the Covid-19 pandemic facilitated ICC appointments for Bangladeshi umpires in home Tests.
His extensive experience includes officiating in various domestic formats, Associate ODIs, men’s and women’s World Cups, and Under-19 World Cups. Despite a substantial white-ball background, Sharfuddoula had limited exposure as a neutral umpire in ODIs or T20Is involving Full Member nations before his 2023 World Cup appearance.
In challenging the prevailing narrative surrounding Bangladeshi umpires, Sharfuddoula Ibn Shahid remains a singular figure on the world stage, symbolizing the potential for growth and recognition in Bangladesh’s umpiring fraternity.
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By- Sahiba Suri