The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the list of match officials for the upcoming T-20 World Cup 2026. Pakistani umpires, including Ahsan Raza and Asif Yaqoob, will officiate during the tournament.
For the high-profile Pakistan vs India clash, Richard Illingworth and Kumar Dharmasena have been named as the on-field umpires. Meanwhile, Dharmasena will also officiate in the opening match of the tournament alongside Wayne Knights, as Pakistan take on the Netherlands.
The ICC has also confirmed a strong panel of match referees for the event, including Andy Pycroft, Javagal Srinath, Dan Kosky, Ranjan Madugalle, Richie Richardson, and David Gilbert.
The opening match of the World Cup will be played on February 7 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.
In total, 24 on-field umpires will officiate during the group stage of the tournament. Officials for the Super Eights and knockout stages will be announced at a later date.
Meanwhile, the ICC T-20 World Cup trophy has arrived in Lahore. The trophy was unveiled at a private college, where the Australian High Commissioner attended the ceremony as a special guest and took photographs with the trophy.
During the first phase of the ICC T20 World Cup trophy exhibition, a formal ceremony was held at the college. Along with the unveiling of the trophy, women’s cricket matches were also organised.
Speaking on the occasion, the Australian High Commissioner expressed his deep interest in cricket and said that Australia is investing in Pakistan’s future through the promotion of girls’ cricket. “We want to see Pakistani women progress not only in cricket but in other fields as well,” he added.
The trophy will also be displayed during the second T-20 match between Pakistan and Australia as part of the World Cup trophy tour in Lahore. A photoshoot featuring players with the trophy has also been scheduled.
In addition, the trophy will be displayed for fans at the PCB shop outside Gaddafi Stadium. It will also be showcased for the media and other guests during the third T20 match.
