BD's Saikat to officiate as umpire at Champions Trophy

Bangladesh's elite umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat has been named among the others match officials for the upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy-2025, set to be held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 19, report agencies.

Sharfuddoula, who successfully served as TV and on-field umpire at the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, will join a distinguished panel of 12 umpires for the 8-team tournament.

The list includes seasoned officials like Richard Kettleborough, Kumar Dharmasena, Richard Illingworth, and Chris Gaffaney, all of whom have extensive experience in high-profile ICC events.

Notably, Kettleborough and Illingworth, who officiated together in the World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad. Other prominent names include Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Ahsan Raza, Alex Wharf, and Joel Wilson, all of

whom bring significant World Cup experience to the Champions Trophy.

The panel of match referees will be led by David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, and Andrew Pycroft,

esteemed members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Their wealth of experience further underscores the high standards expected at the tournament.