Ahmedabad, March 6, 2026: International Cricket Council has confirmed the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Officials for the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between India national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team, scheduled to be played on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
England’s Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf will serve as the on-field umpires for the highly anticipated final.
Illingworth will officiate in his second consecutive T20 World Cup final, having previously stood in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 alongside Chris Gaffaney.
The appointment adds to Illingworth’s impressive record in major ICC tournaments. In recent years, he has also officiated in the finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
Wharf, who joined the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires last year, has previously officiated in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 and the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The pair also officiated together during New Zealand’s semi-final victory over South Africa national cricket team earlier this week at Eden Gardens.
South Africa’s Allahuddien Paleker has been appointed as the third umpire for the final. The 48-year-old, who was elevated to the ICC Elite Panel in March 2025 alongside Wharf, has officiated in six matches during the ongoing tournament.
Another South African official, Adrian Holdstock, will serve as the fourth umpire, while experienced Zimbabwean official Andy Pycroft has been named match referee for the title clash
