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Bangladesh's Elite Umpire Resigns After Towhid Hridoy's Ban U-Turn In DPL

Soumyajit Dutta

Towhid Hridoy and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat [Source: @bdcrictime/X]Towhid Hridoy and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat [Source: @bdcrictime/X]

Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat, a member of the ICC Elite Panel, has resigned from his role with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and has withdrawn from domestic umpiring duties. The decision follows the BCB’s controversial reduction of a disciplinary ban against cricketer Towhid Hridoy, bypassing standard protocols. 

The dispute originated during a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match between Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club, where Towhid Hridoy clashed with Saikat on-field and later made aggressive remarks to the media. 

Why Did Sharfuddoula Decide To Walk Out?

Despite the DPL Technical Committee upholding Hridoy’s initial two-match suspension, the BCB’s Umpires Department unilaterally shortened the ban, sparking widespread criticism and prompting Saikat’s exit.

Saikat’s departure marks a significant loss for Bangladesh cricket, as he remains the nation’s sole representative on the prestigious ICC Elite Panel since his historic induction in 2023. Renowned for his impartial officiating in international matches, his resignation underscores growing concerns over the diminishing authority of umpires in domestic cricket. 

The move has drawn sharp criticism from stakeholders, who view it as a setback for upholding discipline and procedural integrity within the sport. Saikat’s exit is seen as a protest against administrative overreach, highlighting tensions between match officials and governing bodies.

Hridoy's Retaliation

The controversy intensified after Hridoy’s post-match comments, where he mockingly challenged Saikat’s credentials, stating, “If he's an international umpire, then I’m an international cricketer too.” The remark further polarized opinions, with many supporting Saikat’s stance against disrespect toward officials. 

The BCB has yet to issue an official response to the resignation, leaving debates simmering over accountability and governance in Bangladesh’s cricketing ecosystem.