Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid expressed profound gratitude on Thursday as he was named as the first Bangladeshi to grace the prestigious International Cricket Council's Elite Panel of umpires.
At 47, Sharfuddoula had already etched his name in cricket history last year by officiating the World Cup match, marking a significant milestone for Bangladeshi cricket. His journey to this apex began way back in 2006, when he joined the international panel.
In a statement released by the ICC, Sharfuddoula remarked, "It is a moment of great honour for me to be enlisted in the ICC Elite Panel. Being the pioneer from my homeland amplifies the significance of this achievement, and I am determined to validate the trust vested in me."
The Elite Panel, responsible for overseeing the majority of men's Tests and ODIs, along with T20Is, now welcomes Sharfuddoula among its esteemed members. His remarkable journey, starting from a forced exit from first-class cricket due to injury to his current pinnacle as an elite umpire, exemplifies resilience and dedication.
Geoff Allardice, the ICC chief, lauded Sharfuddoula's consistent performances over the years, asserting that the recognition is a well-deserved reward.
Sharfuddoula joins a distinguished group of umpires, including Michael Gough, Richard Illingworth, and Richard Kettleborough from England, along with Paul Reiffel and Rodney Tucker from Australia, among others.
In a parallel development, Chris Broad of England bid adieu to the ICC's elite panel of match referees after a remarkable tenure spanning 21 years. The decision came as part of a reduction in numbers, leaving behind a legacy marked by his remarkable stewardship in 123 Tests, 361 ODIs, and 135 T20Is.
The void left by Broad's departure is now filled by a select group of match referees, including David Boon, Jeff Crowe, Ranjan Madugalle, Andy Pycroft, Richie Richardson, and Javagal Srinath, representing cricketing nations across the globe.
