Richard illingworth to officiate ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final
Richard Illingworth to Officiate ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final
Richard Illingworth will serve as an on-field umpire for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, scheduled for March 8, 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This marks Illingworth’s second consecutive appearance in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final.
Illingworth previously officiated in the final of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, showcasing his continued presence in high-stakes matches. He has also been involved in the finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, further solidifying his reputation as a leading umpire in international cricket.
Joining Illingworth in the final will be Alex Wharf, who will also serve as an on-field umpire. This will be Wharf’s first senior ICC World Cup final, marking a significant milestone in his officiating career.
The match referee for the final will be Andy Pycroft, while Allahuddien Paleker will take on the role of third umpire. Adrian Holdstock will serve as the fourth umpire, rounding out the officiating team for this prestigious event.
Illingworth and Wharf previously officiated together during New Zealand’s semi-final victory over South Africa, where New Zealand triumphed by nine wickets. In that match, India scored 253 runs in their semi-final, demonstrating the high level of competition leading up to the final.
Richard Illingworth has a history of officiating in major ICC events, which adds to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming final. Observers are keen to see how the officiating team will manage the pressures of such a significant match.
As the date approaches, cricket fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this final will unfold, with both India and New Zealand vying for the championship title. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional appointments or changes to the officiating team.
