ISLAMABAD: The ICC has announced the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and Umpires for the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the last-four clashes set to be staged in Kolkata and Mumbai.
Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf will officiate as on-field umpires in the first semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand, scheduled for Wednesday, 4 March at Eden Gardens.
Illingworth previously stood in South Africa’s semi-final against Afghanistan at the last edition of the tournament. Wharf also featured earlier in this competition, overseeing New Zealand’s group-stage win over Afghanistan.
Third umpire
Nitin Menon has been appointed as the third umpire for the Kolkata fixture, while Rod Tucker will serve as the fourth umpire. Javagal Srinath has been named match referee.
The second semi-final, to be played on Thursday, 5 March in Mumbai, will see India take on England. Chris Gaffaney and Allahuddien Paleker have been selected as the on-field umpires for the contest.
Gaffaney was part of the officiating team when India and England met at the same stage in 2024. Paleker has also officiated in two of England’s matches during this tournament, as well as India’s win over the Netherlands.
Adrian Holdstock will take on third umpire duties in Mumbai, with Paul Reiffel appointed as fourth umpire. Andy Pycroft has been assigned the role of match referee.
