The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the complete roster of match officials for the group stage of the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2026. This announcement includes the specific appointments for one of cricket's most electrifying rivalries: the India versus Pakistan match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
Star Umpires for the Marquee Clash
For the blockbuster India-Pakistan encounter, the ICC has designated two of the sport's most experienced and respected umpires. Richard Illingworth of England and Sri Lanka's Kumar Dharmasena will take charge as the on-field officials. Both bring a wealth of international experience to this high-pressure fixture, ensuring the match is adjudicated with the utmost professionalism and expertise.
Comprehensive Panel of Match Officials
The governing body has selected a total of 24 umpires and six match referees to oversee the initial phase of the tournament. This diverse panel represents a global cross-section of cricket's officiating elite, tasked with maintaining the integrity and smooth conduct of the World Cup matches.
List of Appointed Match Referees
The six individuals who will serve as match referees for the T20 World Cup 2026 group stage are:
- Dean Cosker
- David Gilbert
- Ranjan Madugalle
- Andrew Pycroft
- Richie Richardson
- Javagal Srinath
Full Roster of Umpires for the Tournament
The ICC's selected panel of 24 umpires includes:
- Roland Black
- Chris Brown
- Kumar Dharmasena
- Chris Gaffaney
- Adrian Holdstock
- Richard Illingworth
- Richard Kettleborough
- Wayne Knights
- Donovan Koch
- Jayaraman Madanagopal
- Nitin Menon
- Sam Nogajski
- KNA Padmanabhan
- Allahuddien Paleker
- Ahsan Raza
- Leslie Reifer
- Paul Reiffel
- Langton Rusere
- Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid
- Gazi Sohel
- Rod Tucker
- Alex Wharf
- Raveendra Wimalasiri
- Asif Yaqoob
This announcement sets the stage for a professionally officiated tournament, with particular focus on the marquee India-Pakistan match that consistently captures the imagination of cricket fans worldwide. The appointments reflect the ICC's commitment to deploying its top officiating talent for the sport's premier events.
