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Umpires for India vs New Zealand T20 WC Final Revealed: Illingworth Returns

The ICC has announced the match officials for the 2026 T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand. England's Richard Illingworth will officiate in his second consecutive final, joined by compatriot Alex Wharf as on-field umpires. South Africa's Allahuddien Paleker and Adrian Holdstock will serve as third and fourth umpires, respectively, with Andy Pycroft as the match referee. The final will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Key Points: Officials for India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup Final Announced

  • Richard Illingworth in 2nd straight T20 WC final
  • Alex Wharf joins him on-field
  • Allahuddien Paleker named third umpire
  • Andy Pycroft to be match referee
2 min read

Match officials for India vs New Zealand T20 WC final announced

ICC names Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf as on-field umpires for the T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

"The former will officiate in his second consecutive ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final - ICC"

New Delhi, March 6

The Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Officials has been announced for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final between India and New Zealand, set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

England's Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf will serve as the on-field umpires for the showpiece match.

The former will officiate in his second consecutive ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final, having stood alongside Chris Gaffaney in the final of the 2024 edition, as per the ICC website.

The appointment continues Illingworth's impressive run in major ICC events. In recent years, he has also officiated in the finals of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025.

Wharf has previously officiated at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 and the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 before being named to the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires last year.

Illingworth and Wharf also stood together during New Zealand's stunning semi-final victory over South Africa earlier this week at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Supporting the on-field officials, South Africa's Allahuddien Paleker has been appointed as the third umpire. The 48-year-old was elevated to the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires alongside Wharf in March 2025 and has officiated in six matches during the tournament.

Fellow South African, Adrian Holdstock, will assist as the fourth umpire, while Andy Pycroft will take up the duties of match referee in Ahmedabad.

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final - India v New ZealandOn-field Umpires: Richard Illingworth and Alex WharfThird Umpire: Allahuddien PalekerFourth Umpire: Adrian HoldstockMatch Referee: Andy Pycroft.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see a balanced panel. But I have a respectful criticism: why are there no Indian umpires in the Elite Panel for such a big match in India? We have talented officials too. That said, wishing the team all the best! Bring the cup home!
A
Aman W
Illingworth and Wharf just did the NZ vs SA semi. Hope they don't bring any bias, even unconsciously. New Zealand are tough opponents, we need fair play. The pressure at the Narendra Modi Stadium will be immense!
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Allahuddien Paleker as third umpire. His DRS calls will be crucial. Hope the technology works perfectly in Ahmedabad. No one wants a final decided by a poor review.
V
Vikram M
The match referee is Andy Pycroft. He's generally fair. At the end of the day, it's about the players. Our boys just need to play their natural game and handle the pressure. 1.3 billion prayers with you! 🏏
K
Kavya N
All the best to the officials! It's a tough job with so much at stake. Just hoping for a clean, exciting match without any umpiring drama. Let the best team win (which is obviously India! 😉).

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