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ICC Names Elite Officials for T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Clashes

The ICC has announced the match officials from its Elite Panel for the semi-finals of the Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The first semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand in Kolkata will be overseen by on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf. The second semi-final in Mumbai, featuring India against England, will have Chris Gaffaney and Allahuddien Paleker as the on-field officials. India enters the knockout stage as the defending champion, seeking a third T20 World Cup title.

Key Points: ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Match Officials Announced

  • Elite panel officials named for both semis
  • SA vs NZ in Kolkata, IND vs ENG in Mumbai
  • Mix of experienced and active tournament umpires
  • India aims to defend title for third trophy
2 min read

ICC announces match officials for T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals

ICC reveals elite umpires & referees for T20 WC 2026 semis: SA vs NZ in Kolkata, IND vs ENG in Mumbai. Full list of officials inside.

"The combination of experience and recent tournament involvement is expected to provide seamless officiating - ICC"

Kolkata, March 3

The International Cricket Council has announced the match officials for the knockout stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 as the tournament heads into its semi-final stage. Top referees and umpires from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel will oversee the high-stakes clashes, ensuring fair play and smooth conduct in two key fixtures.

The first semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand will take place on Wednesday, March 4, at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens. According to the ICC, Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf have been appointed as the on-field umpires for the match. Illingworth brings with him experience from South Africa's semi-final clash against Afghanistan in the previous T20 World Cup, while Wharf officiated in New Zealand's group-stage win over the same opposition this year.

Supporting the duo will be Nitin Menon as the third umpire, Rod Tucker as the fourth umpire, and Javagal Srinath as the match referee. The combination of experience and recent tournament involvement is expected to provide seamless officiating during what promises to be a tightly contested encounter.

The second semi-final, set for Thursday, March 5, at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, will feature the co-hosts India against England. Chris Gaffaney and Allahuddien Paleker have been named as the on-field umpires for this fixture. Gaffaney previously officiated when the two teams met at the semi-final stage in the 2024 T20 World Cup, while Paleker has been actively involved in the current tournament, including England's matches and India's win over the Netherlands.

They will be assisted by Adrian Holdstock as third umpire, Paul Reiffel as fourth umpire, and Andy Pycroft serving as match referee. With seasoned officials managing the proceedings, the ICC aims to ensure consistent decision-making and uphold the integrity of the knockout matches.

India are looking to defend their title as the Men in Blue eye their third ICC Men's T20 World Cup trophy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting mix of officials. Richard Illingworth is very experienced, which is good for a high-pressure game like SA vs NZ. Hope the decisions are consistent and the DRS is used wisely.
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Ananya R
All the best to Team India! The pressure at Wankhede will be immense, but with such seasoned umpires like Gaffaney, I hope we get a fair contest. No controversial LBWs please! Just let Kohli and Rohit bat freely 😄
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Vikram M
A small point of constructive feedback for the ICC: while the panel is elite, it would be good to see more diversity and perhaps a few younger umpires being groomed for these big stages. The same names circulate often.
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Michael C
Solid appointments. Andy Pycroft as match referee for IND vs ENG is a good call - he's firm and fair. The real test will be handling the crowd pressure in Mumbai. Umpires need strong nerves there.
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Priya S
Eden Gardens and Wankhede for the semis - perfect venues! The officials have a big responsibility. Hoping for a clean, thrilling match without any umpiring errors overshadowing the players' skills. Jai Hind!

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