BCB announces match officials for Bangladesh vs Australia ODI and T20I series

Official Appointments Confirmed for the Landmark Bilateral Series

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has officially revealed the full list of match officials for the highly anticipated upcoming limited-overs series against Australia. As both nations prepare to lock horns in a series that promises high-intensity cricket, the officiating panels have been carefully selected to maintain the highest standards of decision-making and game management. A distinguished mix of experienced international umpires and talented local officials will lead the match-day operations throughout the tour.

Prakash Bhatt to Oversee All Six Fixtures

At the helm of the officiating team is match referee Prakash Bhatt, who has been appointed to oversee all six matches of the bilateral campaign. Bhatt’s immense experience will be crucial in managing player conduct, monitoring pitch conditions, and ensuring that all games across both the One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) formats are played in accordance with the ICC Code of Conduct. Having a single match referee for the entire tour ensures administrative consistency and a seamless transition between Dhaka and Chattogram.

Detailed Breakdown of the ODI Series Officials

The three-match ODI series, which will be hosted entirely at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, features an interesting combination of local and international officiating talent. Here is the match-by-match breakdown of the appointments:

First ODI (June 9): The opening fixture of the series will see England’s Alex Wharf and Bangladesh’s Gazi Sohel taking the field as the on-field umpires. Pakistan’s highly respected Ahsan Raza has been appointed as the TV umpire, bringing his extensive review experience to the third umpire’s chair. Local official Morshed Ali Khan will assist them as the fourth umpire, managing off-field duties and ground transitions.

Second ODI (June 11): For the second match, Ahsan Raza will move from the TV studio to the playing field, partnering with Bangladesh’s Tanvir Ahmed as the on-field umpires. Alex Wharf will transition into the role of the TV umpire to oversee DRS reviews. Morshed Ali Khan will continue in his role as the fourth umpire, providing critical support to the on-field team.

Third ODI (June 14): In the final ODI match of the series, Alex Wharf returns to the field of play, joined by Masudur Rahman Mukul as the co-on-field umpire. Ahsan Raza will resume his duties in the TV umpire booth, while Morshed Ali Khan remains the fourth umpire for the third consecutive match, completing a highly consistent ODI officiating panel.

All-Bangladeshi Panel Confirmed for the T20I Series

In an exciting development that highlights the growing strength and depth of officiating talent in the host nation, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has confirmed that the subsequent T20I series will be officiated entirely by local Bangladeshi umpires. This move represents a massive vote of confidence in the country’s domestic officiating pathway. The appointments for the T20Is are as follows:

First T20I (June 17): Gazi Sohel and Morshed Ali Khan will take charge on the field as the primary umpires. Tanvir Ahmed will serve as the TV umpire, while Masudur Rahman Mukul will take up the responsibilities of the fourth umpire.

Second T20I (June 19): The second encounter in Chattogram will feature the highly respected Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat alongside Tanvir Ahmed as the on-field umpires. Masudur Rahman Mukul will step into the TV umpire’s box, with Gazi Sohel acting as the fourth umpire.

Third T20I (June 21): The series finale will see Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat on-field once again, this time partnered by Masudur Rahman Mukul. Gazi Sohel will operate as the TV umpire, while Tanvir Ahmed will be positioned as the fourth umpire for the final match of the tour.

Venues and Series Schedule at a Glance

The tour is structured into two distinct segments. The ODI leg will be played in Dhaka, with matches scheduled for June 9, June 11, and June 14. These matches will test the tactical depth of both teams in the 50-over format. Following the conclusion of the ODIs, the teams will travel to the coastal city of Chattogram for the T20I leg. The three T20I matches will take place at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on June 17, June 19, and June 21, providing fans with fast-paced, high-energy action under lights. With such a robust panel of officials, cricket fans can expect a fair, exciting, and professionally managed contest between these two powerhouse nations.