Simon Taufel begins two-year contract with BCB

Former ICC Elite Panel umpire Simon Taufel has officially started his role with the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) Umpires Education Unit after arriving in Dhaka. On Saturday afternoon, he met BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur and signed a two-year contract.

A BCB umpiring official confirmed that on Sunday, Taufel will travel to Rajshahi to closely observe the work of umpires and match referees during a National Cricket League T20 match. He also plans to visit venues in Bogura and Sylhet to carry out similar activities. Taufel has already discussed a two-week work plan in meetings with the BCB President and the Chairman of the Umpires Committee.

Speaking to the media later in the day, Taufel said, "I am here to assist. I want to create an environment where umpires and referees can showcase their abilities, improve themselves, and raise the standard of domestic cricket while also preparing for responsibilities on the bigger stage. Most importantly, they need to realize that reaching the top tier is possible for them as well."

On his arrival in Bangladesh, Taufel expressed his delight, "I’m very happy to be here. I am grateful to the Bangladesh Cricket Board, because they have shown outstanding leadership, vision, and courage in working to improve match officiating and umpiring systems. It’s an honor for me to be part of this process for the coming years."

Taufel also highlighted the journey of Sharafuddaula Ibne Shahid Saikat, saying,"Today, we are beginning a new journey. I am not saying it will take 10 years for another elite panel umpire to emerge from Bangladesh. But it’s certain that fulfilling such a goal requires long-term commitment. Saikat deserves great credit for his perseverance, dedication, and determination. He is not only a role model because he is part of the Emirates Elite Panel, but also because he represents resilience and hard work."

He then pointed to India’s example, "For a long time, India had no elite panel umpires. Later, S. Ravi came through, followed by Nitin Menon. Earning a spot in the elite panel is never an overnight success—it takes at least 10 years of patience, practice, and system support. It’s a long journey. One of our main responsibilities is to create more opportunities for both male and female umpires, as well as referees. Saikat is living proof of that journey, and I hope he won’t be the last."