Bangladesh's Saikat to umpire in last two Australia-India Tests

On 26 December, Australia and India are set to face off in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Melbourne, coinciding with the iconic Boxing Day match.

Bangladeshi umpire Sharafuddaula Saikat will serve as the TV umpire for this high-profile game.

Later, on 3 January, Saikat will take on the role of on-field umpire for the fifth and final Test of the series, to be held in Sydney.

Sharafuddaula Saikat previously garnered significant attention for his exceptional umpiring during the South Africa-Sri Lanka Test series.

His performance in the Durban Test showcased remarkable precision and skill. While the match did not hold particular significance for Bangladesh cricket fans, Saikat's individual brilliance brought him into the spotlight.

In that match, teams challenged Saikat's decisions with eight reviews, none of which were upheld. His flawless judgment earned him recognition as the first Bangladeshi umpire in the ICC Elite Panel.

Saikat's impressive performance has not been limited to a single match.

Over the year, he has officiated five international Test matches, consistently delivering remarkable accuracy.

Players reviewed his decisions 32 times across these matches, with only seven reviews overturning his calls. This means he maintained a success rate of over 78%, with 25 decisions upheld.

Such stellar achievements have paved the way for Saikat's inclusion in the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. His appointment to officiate in one of the most anticipated cricket series of the year is a testament to his skill, precision, and growing reputation on the international stage.