ICC Announces Umpires for T20 World Cup 2026: Illingworth, Dharmasena to Officiate High-Voltage India vs Pakistan Clash
ICC Announces Umpires for T20 World Cup 2026: Officials for India vs Pakistan Clash
Umpires for T20 World Cup 2026: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the panel of match officials for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, confirming appointments for all group-stage matches of the tournament. The announcement has drawn major attention, particularly after it was revealed that Richard Illingworth of England and Kumar Dharmasena of Sri Lanka will serve as the on-field umpires for the India vs Pakistan clash, one of the most anticipated fixtures in world cricket.
The confirmation reinforces the ICC’s intent to place its most experienced officials in charge of high-pressure encounters, ensuring fairness, accuracy, and control in matches that draw intense global scrutiny.
Table of Contents:
ICC Announces Umpires for T20 World Cup 2026: Tournament at a Glance
The T20 World Cup 2026 marks a return of the marquee ICC event to the subcontinent and will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Featuring 20 teams, the tournament promises a packed schedule and fierce competition.
T20 World Cup 2026 Overview –
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Hosts | India & Sri Lanka |
| Dates | February 7 – March 8, 2026 |
| Teams | 20 |
| Group Stage Matches | 40 |
| Officials Appointed | 24 umpires, 6 match referees |
The ICC clarified that the current appointments cover only the group stage, with officials for the Super Eight, semi-finals, and final to be announced later.
Umpires for India vs Pakistan Clash Confirmed
The headline announcement from the ICC was the confirmation of the umpires for India vs Pakistan clash, scheduled to take place on February 15, 2026, in Colombo.
On-Field Umpires for IND vs PAK
- Richard Illingworth (England)
- Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka)
This pairing brings together two of the most respected figures in modern cricket officiating, both known for calm decision-making in intense environments.
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Why Illingworth and Dharmasena Are Trusted for Big Matches?
Richard Illingworth: Experience Under Pressure
A former England international spinner, Illingworth is a long-standing member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. He has officiated in numerous ICC finals, including the 2024 T20 World Cup final, and is widely regarded for his consistency and composure.
Kumar Dharmasena: From World Cup Winner to Elite Umpire
Dharmasena was part of Sri Lanka’s 1996 ODI World Cup-winning squad and has transitioned into one of the most experienced umpires in ICC history. He has officiated in 37 T20 World Cup matches, including the finals in 2016 and 2022, placing him fourth on the all-time list.
Together, they represent a blend of technical expertise and big-match temperament, making them ideal umpires for India vs Pakistan.
Complete Match Referees Panel for T20 World Cup 2026
The ICC has also appointed six match referees who will oversee player conduct, playing conditions, and disciplinary matters.
Match Referees –
| Name | Country |
|---|---|
| Ranjan Madugalle (Chief Referee) | Sri Lanka |
| Javagal Srinath | India |
| Richie Richardson | West Indies |
| Dean Cosker | England |
| David Gilbert | Australia |
| Andrew Pycroft | Zimbabwe |
Full Umpires Panel Announced by ICC
As the ICC announces umpires for T20 World Cup 2026, a total of 24 umpires from 11 countries have been selected, reflecting diversity and global representation.
Umpires for T20 World Cup 2026 List –
| Umpire | Country |
|---|---|
| Richard Illingworth | England |
| Kumar Dharmasena | Sri Lanka |
| Rod Tucker | Australia |
| Chris Gaffaney | New Zealand |
| Richard Kettleborough | England |
| Nitin Menon | India |
| KNA Padmanabhan | India |
| Jayaraman Madanagopal | India |
| Wayne Knights | New Zealand |
| Adrian Holdstock | South Africa |
| Ahsan Raza | Pakistan |
| Asif Yaqoob | Pakistan |
| Paul Reiffel | Australia |
| Alex Wharf | England |
| Langton Rusere | Zimbabwe |
| Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid | Bangladesh |
| Gazi Sohel | Bangladesh |
| Allahuddien Paleker | South Africa |
| Roland Black | Ireland |
| Chris Brown | New Zealand |
| Donovan Koch | Australia |
| Leslie Reifer | West Indies |
| Sam Nogajski | Australia |
| Raveendra Wimalasiri | Sri Lanka |
Indian Umpires in Focus: A Historic Moment
The announcement carries special significance for Indian officiating.
Nitin Menon’s Landmark Achievement –
- Only Indian umpire on the ICC Elite Panel
- Officiating in his fourth consecutive T20 World Cup (2021, 2022, 2024, 2026)
- Will complete 150 international matches as an on-field umpire on the opening day of the tournament
- First Indian umpire to reach this milestone
Menon will officiate the Scotland vs West Indies match on February 7.
KNA Padmanabhan’s ICC Debut –
Former first-class cricketer KNA Padmanabhan will make his first appearance at an ICC global event, marking a major career milestone.
Jayaraman Madanagopal Returns –
Madanagopal will feature in his second T20 World Cup, adding continuity to India’s umpiring presence.
Key Group Stage Matches and Umpire Appointments
The ICC also confirmed officials for several marquee fixtures:
| Match | Date | On-Field Umpires |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan vs Netherlands | Feb 7 | Dharmasena & Wayne Knights |
| Australia vs Ireland | Feb 11 | Gaffaney & Illingworth |
| India vs Pakistan | Feb 15 | Illingworth & Dharmasena |
Australian umpire Rod Tucker, who holds the record for most T20 World Cup matches officiated (46), is expected to cross the 50-match milestone during the tournament.
Experience vs Fresh Talent: ICC’s Balanced Approach
The umpiring panel highlights the ICC’s strategy of blending veteran officials with emerging talent.
Veterans –
| Umpire | Experience |
|---|---|
| Rod Tucker | Most T20 WC matches |
| Kumar Dharmasena | Multiple finals |
| Illingworth & Kettleborough | ICC knockout specialists |
New Faces –
| Umpire | Notable Detail |
|---|---|
| Wayne Knights | First T20 WC |
| KNA Padmanabhan | First ICC event |
| Roland Black | Emerging international umpire |
This mix ensures consistency while preparing the next generation of officials.
Why Umpire Appointments Matter in Big Matches?
For encounters like India vs Pakistan, umpiring decisions are scrutinised globally. Assigning experienced officials reduces controversy and ensures credibility.
The announcement of umpires for India vs Pakistan clash reinforces confidence that the match will be officiated with authority and neutrality.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who will umpire the India vs Pakistan match at T20 World Cup 2026?
Richard Illingworth and Kumar Dharmasena will be the on-field umpires.
Q2: How many umpires have been appointed for the tournament?
A total of 24 umpires have been named for the group stage.
Q3: How many Indian umpires are officiating?
Three — Nitin Menon, KNA Padmanabhan, and Jayaraman Madanagopal.
Q4: What is special about Nitin Menon’s appointment?
He will become the first Indian umpire to officiate in 150 international matches.
Q5: When will knockout-stage umpires be announced?
After the completion of the group stage.
Conclusion: Setting the Standard for Fair Play
As the ICC announces umpires for T20 World Cup 2026, the focus on experience, balance, and professionalism is clear. The appointment of Richard Illingworth and Kumar Dharmasena as the umpires for India vs Pakistan clash underscores the ICC’s commitment to ensuring that cricket’s biggest rivalries are officiated by the most trusted hands in the game.
With officiating standards firmly in place, attention now turns to the players, strategies, and spectacle that will define the T20 World Cup 2026.
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