The T20 World Cup final officials have been confirmed for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand, scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
The Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Officials has named England’s Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf as the on-field umpires for the highly anticipated final.
Illingworth will officiate in his second consecutive ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final. He previously stood alongside Chris Gaffaney during the 2024 edition of the tournament.
The experienced English umpire has built a strong record in ICC events. In recent years, Illingworth has also officiated in the finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
Wharf joins Illingworth for the final
Alex Wharf will join Illingworth as the second on-field umpire for the match. Wharf was added to the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires last year.
He has previously officiated in major international tournaments, including the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
The pair also worked together earlier in the week during New Zealand’s impressive semi-final victory over South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Match officials panel for the final
South Africa’s Allahuddien Paleker has been appointed as the third umpire for the final. The 48-year-old was promoted to the Emirates ICC Elite Panel alongside Wharf in March 2025 and has officiated in six matches during the ongoing tournament.
Fellow South African Adrian Holdstock will serve as the fourth umpire for the final.
Meanwhile, experienced official Andy Pycroft will take charge as the match referee when India and New Zealand meet in Ahmedabad.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final – India vs New Zealand
On-field Umpires: Richard Illingworth, Alex Wharf
Third Umpire: Allahuddien Paleker
Fourth Umpire: Adrian Holdstock
Match Referee: Andy Pycroft
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Source: https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/mens-t20-world-cup-2026
