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Illingworth, Wharf To Umpire India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup Final

England's Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf have been named the on-field umpires for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand. Illingworth officiates his second consecutive T20 WC final, while this marks Wharf's first senior World Cup final. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, aims for a historic back-to-back title and a third overall. New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, seeks its first T20 World Cup crown after a powerful semi-final performance.

Key Points: Umpires Named for India vs New Zealand T20 WC Final

  • Illingworth's second straight T20 WC final
  • Wharf's first senior WC final
  • India chase third title & back-to-back wins
  • New Zealand aim for maiden crown
2 min read

T20 WC: Illingworth, Wharf named on-field umpires for India-New Zealand title clash

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

"Illingworth will oversee his second successive T20 World Cup final - Report"

Ahmedabad, March 6

England duo of Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf have been named as on-field umpires for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup final, to be played between India and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Illingworth will oversee his second successive T20 World Cup final, after having been on ground with Chris Gaffaney in the 2024 decider, where India beat South Africa by seven runs in Barbados. The appointment adds to Illingworth's recent run of high-profile on-field umpiring assignments, including the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup final and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final.

Wharf, meanwhile, will be the umpire in his first senior World Cup final. The former England seamer previously officiated in the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup and the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup before joining the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires last year.

The pair were also in the middle for New Zealand's nine-wicket semi-final victory over South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday. They will be supported by South Africa's Allahuddien Paleker as the third umpire, while their England compatriot Adrian Holdstock is the fourth umpire, and Andy Pycroft would handle match referee duties.

Paleker, who joined the Elite Panel alongside Wharf in March 2025, has stood in six matches during this tournament. Top-ranked India are chasing their third Men's T20 World Cup crown, and will face a mighty Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand in the highly-awaited title clash of the 20-team competition.

Suryakumar Yadav & Co are aiming to become the first to win back-to-back Men's T20 World Cups and the first side to lift the glittering trophy on home soil. New Zealand, meanwhile, come on the back of Finn Allen's record 33-ball century giving them a comprehensive win over South Africa in the semi-final in Kolkata and are aiming to capture their maiden Men's T20 World Cup crown.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see two English umpires for a final between India and NZ. Not a complaint, just an observation. Hope Wharf handles the pressure well in his first senior men's final. The third umpire being from SA is a good neutral choice.
A
Ananya R
The pressure is immense! Playing a final at home is a dream but also a huge burden. SKY and the boys have been brilliant. Just one more match. Please, no last-over heartbreak this time! 🙏 #MenInBlue
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Vikram M
New Zealand is a very dangerous team, especially after that Allen century. Santner is a clever captain. We cannot take them lightly at all. Our bowling attack needs to be on point from ball one. Jasprit Bumrah, the stage is yours!
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Karthik V
With all respect to the umpires named, I wish there was an Indian umpire in the Elite Panel officiating such a big match. We have great former players who understand the game deeply. The ICC should focus on developing umpires from all major cricketing nations equally.
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Priya S
The atmosphere in Ahmedabad will be electric! 🎇 So proud that we are hosting the final. Making history by winning back-to-back titles at home would be the perfect story. Let's go, India! All the best to both teams for a great contest.

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