BCB set to appoint Simon Taufel as umpiring consultant
Simon Taufel
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to appoint former ICC Elite Panel umpire Simon Taufel on a three-year deal aimed at improving the quality and professionalism of local umpires.
The renowned Australian umpire will lead a comprehensive development program focusing on domestic officials, whose performance has frequently drawn criticism.
India's Bangladesh tour in August uncertain as BCB, BCCI hold talks
5 hrs ago
Confirming the move, Iftikhar Ahmed Mithu, chairman of the BCB Umpires’ Committee, said the board has been in talks with Taufel for the past few months.
“Recently, we reached out to Simon Taufel, a former ICC elite panel umpire who works globally to help improve umpiring standards. After 4-5 months of discussions, the board has now approved the plan. We’ve signed a three-year agreement with him. The program will be implemented in three phases, and we aim to train 10–15 umpire trainers who will work across the country,” Mithu said.
He added that although the official contract is yet to be signed, Taufel and his representative team will oversee the entire training program. “Simon himself will also be present from time to time,” he noted.
Simon Taufel, widely respected for his umpiring expertise, served on the ICC Elite Panel from 2003 to 2012. During his career, he officiated in high-profile tournaments including World Cups and Ashes series. Taufel stood in 74 Tests, 174 ODIs, and 34 T20Is. From 2004 to 2008, he won the ICC Umpire of the Year award five consecutive times — a record unmatched to this day.
With this appointment, BCB hopes to elevate umpiring standards to match global expectations and bring more consistency and professionalism to the game in Bangladesh.
