The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the match officials for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking another major step in preparations for the global event.
The tournament will be hosted in India, with selected matches also scheduled at designated venues, and the announcement confirms the presence of experienced officials from around the world, including representatives from Pakistan.
🇵🇰 Pakistani Umpires Named for the World Cup
Among the officials selected by the ICC are Pakistan’s international umpires Ahsan Raza and Asif Yaqoob, reflecting Pakistan’s continued presence at the highest level of global cricket officiating.
Their inclusion is being seen as a positive sign for Pakistani officiating standards on the world stage.
🔥 Officials for High-Profile Matches Confirmed
According to the ICC:
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Richard Illingworth and Kumar Dharmasena have been appointed as on-field umpires for the Pakistan vs India match
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The tournament opener between Pakistan and the Netherlands will be officiated by Kumar Dharmasena and Wayne Knights
These appointments underline the ICC’s focus on experience for marquee fixtures.
🧑⚖️ Match Referees Also Announced
The ICC has also confirmed a strong panel of match referees, including:
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Andy Pycroft
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Javagal Srinath
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Dean Cosker
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Ranjan Madugalle
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Richie Richardson
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David Gilbert
These officials will oversee match conduct and ensure adherence to ICC playing conditions throughout the tournament.
📅 Tournament Kick-Off Details
The opening match of the T20 World Cup 2026 will be played on February 7 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.
During the group stage, a total of 24 on-field umpires will perform officiating duties. The ICC has confirmed that officials for the Super Eight and knockout stages will be announced at a later date.
📌 Why This Announcement Matters
With the World Cup just weeks away:
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Match officials play a crucial role in fair play and credibility
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High-profile matches demand experienced decision-makers
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Pakistan’s representation highlights its contribution beyond players
The announcement signals that the tournament is now firmly moving into its final preparation phase.
