Two match officials from Bangladesh will officiate at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, highlighting the country’s growing presence on the global officiating stage. Experienced umpire Masudur Rahman Mukul has earned his place after a series of strong performances in recent years, while Neeyamur Rashid Rahul will serve as a match referee at the tournament.
The Daily Times of Bangladesh reached out to Masudur Rahman Mukul to talk about his career, the current umpiring scene in Bangladesh, and his expectations from the ICC Under-19 World Cup and the BPL season ahead.
You will be officiating as an umpire in the upcoming ICC Under-19 World Cup. You have officiated on this stage before. How do you see things going this time?
This will be my third Under-19 World Cup. I was there in 2020 with Sharfuddoula Saikat bhai when Bangladesh became champions. In 2022, I missed out because I tested Covid positive. In 2024, I officiated alongside Gazi Sohel. So officially, this will be my third appearance, though in terms of allotment it could have been my fourth.
Whenever I go to an international tournament, I do not think of myself as an individual. I go as a representative of my country. Performance is important for my career, but it is also a matter of national pride. That responsibility excites me, and at the same time, it makes the challenge even bigger.
You are one of the most recognised umpires in the country. Sharfuddoula Saikat has also done well on the global stage. Has Bangladeshi umpiring improved overall?
Our umpiring reached a solid standard with people like Enamul Haque Moni bhai and Nadir Shah bhai. Then Saikat changed the entire scenario. I am trying to follow that path. Gazi Sohel is doing very well, and I believe he will reach a big position soon. Tanvir and Sumon are also performing consistently, and the next generation is coming up strongly.
Earlier, we did not have enough platforms to prove ourselves. From the Asia Cup 2022 onwards, attention on Bangladeshi umpires increased. The ICC started trusting us with big matches, in all conditions. When Saikat officiated in major Test matches during the Covid period, it boosted confidence for all of us. Our performance level was always there, but earlier it was not visible. Covid was a painful time globally, but for our profession, it opened some doors.
You mentioned the Asia Cup 2022. How did that tournament help Bangladeshi umpires?
Personally, after officiating the India Pakistan match and the final, both Gazi Sohel and I came under the spotlight. Since then, our department and the board have supported us strongly. We are getting more opportunities at higher levels, and that exposure has helped us grow.
Simon Taufel has worked closely with Bangladeshi match officials in recent years. How has that helped?
Simon Taufel joined on a long term contract with the board. I believe both we and the next generation will benefit from his guidance. But it would be unfair to give credit only to him. People like Moni bhai, Abhi (Abdullah Noman) invested years working behind the scenes. Saikat also shared his international experience with us. It has been a combined effort.
There have been concerns about corruption in umpiring, especially at lower domestic levels. Has the situation improved?
Every sector has both good and bad sides. But over the last few years, corruption in umpiring has reduced significantly. The board, the department, and our seniors worked sincerely to clean the system. Compared to three or four years ago, I would say corruption has reduced by around 70 to 80 percent.
The problem now is perception. When an umpire makes a mistake, people immediately doubt intentions. Earlier, mistakes could be intentional or unintentional. These days, they are mostly unintentional. There may be errors due to skill or judgment, but calling it corruption would be wrong. Corruption has dropped massively and is now almost close to zero.
Do you expect a cleaner BPL in terms of fixing and corruption this season?
I cannot comment on the overall issue, as there are separate departments for that. But if I am not mistaken, in all BPL editions so far, there has been no proven case of fixing or corruption involving match officials. We have full confidence in our sector, whether it is the NCL, BPL, or any other competition.
If someone dreams of reaching the ICC elite panel of umpires, what should they focus on?
Performance is the key. A platform is also necessary to showcase that performance. Saikat waited 10 to 12 years to reach the elite panel. The next generation may not need to wait that long because the pathway now exists. If you perform consistently and meet ICC guidelines, you will get there.
When did you decide to become an umpire? Who inspired you?
During my playing days, I never wanted to be an umpire. I thought it was a thankless job and did not even see it as a profession. I planned to go into management or coaching. But the late Ziaul Haque Masud bhai encouraged me, in fact, almost forced me to go for an umpiring exam. That is how this journey started.
At first, I was unsure. But when I saw people like Moni bhai doing well, my perception changed. One moment truly inspired me. During my playing career, I never wore the Bangladesh logo on my chest. But when I attended the Level One umpiring course, I was given a shirt with the Bangladesh logo. That moment stayed with me.
Who is your umpiring idol?
In Bangladesh, my idol is Nadir Shah. Internationally, it is Bruce Oxenford. He is now an umpiring coach, a wonderful human being, and someone I deeply respect.
With the BPL approaching, Mukul believes Bangladesh’s officiating standards are improving and says corruption has dropped sharply due to stronger oversight. He sees the ICC Under-19 World Cup as a key chance for match officials to prove their professionalism and carry that confidence into the BPL and other domestic leagues.
