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 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final, having previously officiated in the 2024 final. Illingworth has an extensive record, having also served as an umpire in the finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
In contrast, Alex Wharf will be officiating his first senior ICC World Cup final. Wharf has gained valuable experience in previous tournaments, including the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Both umpires previously worked together during New Zealand’s semi-final victory over South Africa earlier in the tournament, showcasing their ability to collaborate effectively under pressure.
The match referee for the final will be Andy Pycroft, adding another layer of experience to the officiating team.
As the tournament progresses, cricket enthusiasts are keenly anticipating the final match, which will feature teams India and New Zealand vying for the championship title.
Illingworth’s consistent presence in high-stakes matches highlights his reputation and expertise in the sport, while Wharf’s debut in a senior final marks a significant milestone in his career.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional appointments or changes to the officiating team as the final date approaches.
