ICC Announces Match Officials for T20 World Cup Semifinals
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the elite panel of match officials for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semifinals. Indian umpire Nitin Menon features prominently in the appointments for the knockout matches scheduled for March 4 and March 5. The lineup includes experienced officials Richard Illingworth and Chris Gaffaney, who will oversee the decisive fixtures in Kolkata and Mumbai.
South Africa vs. New Zealand: Eden Gardens (March 4)
The first semifinal will feature South Africa facing New Zealand at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf will serve as the on-field umpires for this encounter.
Illingworth brings recent history to this fixture, having officiated South Africa’s dominant semifinal performance in the 2024 edition. In that match, the Proteas bowled Afghanistan out for 56 runs before securing a nine-wicket victory. Alex Wharf, who stood in New Zealand’s group-stage victory over Afghanistan during the current tournament, partners with Illingworth on the field.
Nitin Menon will operate as the third umpire (TV umpire) for the Kolkata fixture, with Rod Tucker serving as the fourth umpire. Former Indian pacer Javagal Srinath will oversee the proceedings as the match referee.
India vs. England: Wankhede Stadium (March 5)
Defending champions India will meet England in the second semifinal at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This fixture is a rematch of the 2024 semifinal, where India secured a comprehensive 68-run victory on their way to the title.
Chris Gaffaney and Allahuddien Paleker have been appointed as the on-field umpires. Gaffaney was part of the officiating team during the 2024 semifinal clash between these two sides. In the current tournament, he officiated India’s matches against South Africa and the West Indies. Paleker has managed two England fixtures in this edition—against the West Indies and Scotland—as well as India’s victory over the Netherlands.
The technical team for the Mumbai semifinal includes Adrian Holdstock as the third umpire and Paul Reiffel as the fourth umpire. Andy Pycroft will serve as the match referee.
Match Official Appointments Overview
| Fixture | Date & Venue | Role | Official |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa vs. New Zealand | March 4 Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
On-Field Umpire | Richard Illingworth |
| On-Field Umpire | Alex Wharf | ||
| Third Umpire | Nitin Menon | ||
| Fourth Umpire | Rod Tucker | ||
| Match Referee | Javagal Srinath | ||
| India vs. England | March 5 Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
On-Field Umpire | Chris Gaffaney |
| On-Field Umpire | Allahuddien Paleker | ||
| Third Umpire | Adrian Holdstock | ||
| Fourth Umpire | Paul Reiffel | ||
| Match Referee | Andy Pycroft |
For official regulations and playing conditions regarding the semifinals, refer to the International Cricket Council (ICC) official website. Further venue details are available via the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).