Richard Illingworth to officiate ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final
Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf have been appointed as the on-field umpires for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final, scheduled for March 8, 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
This marks Richard Illingworth’s second consecutive appearance as an umpire in the T20 World Cup Final, having previously officiated the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final. Illingworth has also been involved in other significant matches, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final.
In contrast, Alex Wharf will be officiating his first senior ICC World Cup final. Wharf has gained experience in international cricket, having previously worked in the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The officiating team for the final will also include third umpire Allahuddien Paleker, fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock, and match referee Andy Pycroft. Paleker has officiated six matches during the tournament, showcasing his capabilities on the international stage.
Both Illingworth and Wharf were part of the umpiring team during New Zealand’s semi-final victory over South Africa earlier in the tournament, further highlighting their experience and competence in high-pressure situations.
The upcoming final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with India and New Zealand vying for the championship title. Observers are keen to see how the match officials will manage the game, especially given the stakes involved.
As the event approaches, anticipation builds among fans and players alike, eager to witness the culmination of the tournament. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional matchday protocols or changes that may be implemented.
