The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the match officials for the upcoming Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25.
Sri Lanka’s Ranjan Madugalle, a seasoned member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will oversee the series, ensuring the games are conducted smoothly and fairly.
The two-match Test series will kick off with the first Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 21 to 25. Following this, the action will move to the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, where the second Test will take place from August 30 to September 3.
To maintain high standards of officiating, the PCB has appointed a mix of elite and international panel umpires for the series. The lineup for the Rawalpindi Test includes England’s Richard Kettleborough and South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock as the on-field umpires. Michael Gough from England will serve as the third umpire, while Pakistan’s Rashid Riaz will act as the fourth umpire.
The Karachi Test will see Michael Gough and Adrian Holdstock taking charge as the on-field umpires. Richard Kettleborough will move to the third umpire position, with Asif Yaqoob from Pakistan stepping in as the fourth umpire.
This series is crucial for both Pakistan and Bangladesh as they aim to secure valuable points in the ICC World Test Championship standings. With top-notch match officials ensuring fair play, cricket fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive series.
The presence of Ranjan Madugalle as the match referee adds significant experience and credibility to the officiating team. Madugalle, a former Sri Lankan cricketer, has been a part of numerous high-profile matches and brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.
Richard Kettleborough and Adrian Holdstock are renowned for their sharp decision-making and impartiality, which will be pivotal in maintaining the integrity of the matches. Michael Gough, known for his meticulous attention to detail, will handle the third umpire duties, ensuring accurate reviews and decisions.
Local umpires Rashid Riaz and Asif Yaqoob will also play essential roles, bringing their regional expertise and familiarity with the conditions to the table. Their involvement highlights the PCB’s commitment to developing and promoting umpires from member countries.
As the series approaches, cricket enthusiasts from around the world eagerly await the clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The matches promise to deliver high-quality cricket, with both teams vying for dominance and crucial championship points.