Prakash Bhatt strode onto the ICC stage in Mirpur, Dhaka, where he made his Test debut during the opening Bangladesh‑West Indies clash. And with a single decision, he cemented his place among the elite, becoming only the second Indian after Javagal Srinath to don the referee’s cap in a Test.
The 56‑year‑old former Saurashtra all‑rounder had been a BCCI match referee since 2007‑08, and a seasoned IPL arbiter since 2018. Over the last year he has overseen 48 T20Is, six ODIs, three Women’s ODIs and four Women’s T20Is, plus 67 first‑class and 75 IPL matches. He even guided 13 Under‑19 World Cup games in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The ICC’s newly launched Emerging panel, of which Bhatt is the first Indian member, sits beside the Elite panel that houses names like Andy Pycroft and Richie Richardson. By joining this trio, Bhatt opens the door to a stream of Test assignments and places India firmly on the global officiating map.
Bhatt’s debut wasn’t just a milestone; it was a statement that Indian cricket’s influence is expanding beyond the pitch. With more Test matches on the horizon, his presence could inspire a new generation of Indian referees to step into the spotlight.
Next up: Bhatt is slated to referee the upcoming India‑Pakistan T20I series, a contest that will test his mettle on the world’s biggest stage.