Sharfuddoula to officiate in Champions Trophy opener

With just eight days to go until the Champions Trophy, anticipation is building for the return of the eight-team ODI tournament after an eight-year hiatus. The ICC had previously announced the officials for the competition and has now confirmed the match officials for each group-stage fixture.

The tournament kicks off on 19 February in Karachi with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand. Bangladesh's Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid will serve as an on-field umpire for the opening match alongside England's Richard Kettleborough. Joel Wilson will be the TV umpire, with Alex Wharf as the fourth umpire. Andrew Pycroft has been appointed as the match referee.

Sharfuddoula has been assigned two group-stage matches as an on-field umpire. After officiating the opening game, he will oversee Afghanistan's clash with England in Lahore on 26 February, where he will be partnered with Joel Wilson.

Additionally, Sharfuddoula will act as the fourth umpire for Afghanistan's match against South Africa in Karachi on 21 February and as the TV umpire for the South Africa-England encounter at the same venue on 1 March.

Match Officials for Bangladesh's Fixtures

20 February – Bangladesh vs India, Dubai

On-field umpires: Adrian Holdstock & Paul Reiffel

TV umpire: Richard Illingworth

Fourth umpire: Michael Gough

Match referee: David Boon

24 February – Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi

On-field umpires: Ahsan Raza & Kumar Dharmasena

TV umpire: Rod Tucker

Fourth umpire: Joel Wilson

Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle

27 February – Bangladesh vs Pakistan, Rawalpindi

On-field umpires: Michael Gough & Adrian Holdstock

TV umpire: Paul Reiffel

Fourth umpire: Richard Illingworth

Match referee: David Boon