A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official confirmed that umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat did not require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to officiate in the first ODI between India and New Zealand in Vadodara. Saikat’s involvement coincides with BCB requesting the ICC to move its T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India, citing "security concerns."

Umpire Department Chairman Iftekhar Rahman clarified that Saikat, being an ICC-contracted umpire, is automatically released from BCB duties for international assignments. “He is an ICC-contracted umpire, not contracted with us. Our contract states that whenever he has an ICC assignment, he is automatically on leave from BCB duties. I have no authority to grant permission or NOC,” Rahman said. This makes Saikat eligible to officiate in ODIs in India regardless of BCB’s position.

Saikat, along with Gazi Sohel, is expected to officiate during the upcoming T20 World Cup. His presence in India is likely to be cited by the ICC to address BCB’s security concerns, potentially influencing Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament.

BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul confirmed the board is awaiting ICC’s response regarding security concerns in India. “We have sent all attachments and proofs of our concern. Our position remains unchanged. Any alternate Indian venue is still an Indian venue. We have to follow government directives,” Bulbul said.

The BCB’s apprehensions emerged after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders amid reported political tensions. Bulbul emphasized that the board will wait for the ICC’s reply before taking any further action. “I cannot comment on what we will do if we aren’t allowed to play in Sri Lanka unless the ICC responds,” he added.

While BCB maintains its stand, the ICC’s position on Saikat’s current officiating assignment could set a precedent. The resolution will impact Bangladesh’s participation and venue decisions for the T20 World Cup 2026. Saikat’s role underscores the authority of ICC-contracted umpires and separates board permissions from international duties.