LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a formidable panel of match officials for the upcoming National Champions Cup 2026-27, a seven-match spectacle set to unfold at the Multan Cricket Stadium from August 11 to 18, featuring some of the country’s most distinguished umpires and referees.
Former Test cricketer Ali Naqvi and Kamran Chaudhary, both distinguished members of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees, will lead the playing control teams across the four-team tournament, which comprises seven high-stakes encounters culminating in the final on August 18.
Match Officials panel announced for the National Champions Cup 2026-27 🏏
The tournament will be played from 11 to 18 August at the Multan Cricket Stadium 🏟️
More details ➡️ https://t.co/5y7gD0cVsA#NationalChampionsCup | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/OF7uj1cE4S
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 7, 2026
Elite umpiring roster
The umpiring panel features a formidable lineup of ICC International Panel of Umpires, including Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain, and Rashid Riaz Waqar. They will be joined by the PCB National Elite Panel of Umpires, Abdul Moqeet, Syed Imtiaz Iqbal, Tariq Rasheed, and Zulfiqar Jan, ensuring a perfect balance of international exposure and local knowledge.
Here are the four squads for the National Champions Cup! 🏏
I’ll be backing Pakistan Greens all the way. 💚🇵🇰
Who’s your pick to lift the trophy? 👀 pic.twitter.com/zRdEz66Cf7
— Humais khan (@Humireacts) July 27, 2026
The tournament opener on August 11 will see Pakistan Greens take on Pakistan Whites, with Yaqoob and Jan standing as on-field umpires, while Aafreedi and Iqbal will serve as third and fourth umpires, respectively, under the watchful eye of referee Kamran Chaudhary.
Read Also: Pakistan to Host Four-Team Multan Tournament from August 11-18 for World Cup 2027
Marquee final to feature top officials
For the summit clash on August 18, the PCB has reserved its most experienced duo, Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz Waqar, as on-field umpires, with Faisal Khan Aafreedi as third umpire and Nasir Hussain as fourth umpire. Ali Naqvi will lead the playing control team for the final, adding a layer of international gravitas to the championship decider.
Read Also: Pakistan Unveils Schedule of National Champions Cup for World Cup 2027 Preparation
Complete Schedule
August 11 – Pakistan Greens v Pakistan Whites: Asif Yaqoob and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field), Faisal Khan Aafreedi (third), Syed Imtiaz Iqbal (fourth), Kamran Chaudhary (referee)
August 12 – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Gold: Rashid Riaz Waqar and Nasir Hussain (on-field), Abdul Moqeet (third), Tariq Rasheed (fourth), Ali Naqvi (referee)
August 13 – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Whites: Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Syed Imtiaz Iqbal (on-field), Asif Yaqoob (third), Zulfiqar Jan (fourth), Kamran Chaudhary (referee)
August 14 – Pakistan Gold v Pakistan Greens: Tariq Rasheed and Abdul Moqeet (on-field), Rashid Riaz (third), Nasir Hussain (fourth), Ali Naqvi (referee)
August 15 – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Greens: Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field), Asif Yaqoob (third), Syed Imtiaz Iqbal (fourth), Kamran Chaudhary (referee)
August 16 – Pakistan Gold v Pakistan Whites: Nasir Hussain and Tariq Rasheed (on-field), Rashid Riaz Waqar (third), Abdul Moqeet (fourth), Ali Naqvi (referee)
August 18 – Final: Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz Waqar (on-field), Faisal Khan Aafreedi (third), Nasir Hussain (fourth), Ali Naqvi (referee)
Cricket enthusiasts in Multan and across the country can look forward to eight days of intense competition, as the nation’s finest cricketers battle for supremacy under the watchful eyes of the country’s most accomplished match officials.
