Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf to Officiate T20 World Cup Final

The ICC has announced that Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf will officiate the T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand. This match, taking place in Ahmedabad, will see Illingworth officiate his second consecutive T20 World Cup final, while Wharf makes his debut in a senior ICC World Cup final. Both umpires have impressive backgrounds, having officiated in various significant matches leading up to this event. The officiating team will also include third umpire Allahuddien Paleker and fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock, with Andy Pycroft serving as the match referee. Read on to learn more about their officiating journeys.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 6, 2026, 17:55 IST

T20 World Cup Final Umpires Announced

The ICC has confirmed that English umpires Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf will officiate the T20 World Cup final featuring India and New Zealand, scheduled for Sunday in Ahmedabad.

This marks Illingworth's second consecutive appearance in a men’s T20 World Cup final, having previously officiated alongside Chris Gaffaney in 2024.

As the defending champions, India will face New Zealand in a highly anticipated match for the trophy.

Illingworth's recent track record is noteworthy, as he also officiated the men’s 2023 World Cup final and the men’s 2025 Champions Trophy final.

Wharf, on the other hand, will be making his debut in a senior ICC World Cup final. He has previously officiated at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 before joining the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires last year.

The duo officiated together during New Zealand’s semi-final win over South Africa on Wednesday. They will be assisted by third umpire Allahuddien Paleker and fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock, both from South Africa, while Andy Pycroft from Zimbabwe will serve as the match referee.

Paleker was promoted to the Elite Panel of Umpires alongside Wharf in March 2025 and has officiated in six matches throughout the tournament.