JuicyTalk
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the lineup of match officials for the high-stakes Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 21. A total of 16 umpires, drawn from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel and the ICC Emerging Umpires Group, alongside four Elite Panel Match Referees, will oversee the second phase of the tournament. The selection highlights a focus on experience, ensuring that the most critical fixtures of the event are handled by the world’s top-tier officials.
T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Group 2 officials: Colombo and Kandy fixtures
The Super Eight phase kicks off with a massive Group 2 clash between New Zealand and Pakistan in Colombo. The ICC has leaned on veteran experience for this opening encounter to ensure a smooth transition into the tournament’s most competitive round. The officiating teams for the key Group 2 matches are as follows:
- New Zealand vs Pakistan (Feb 21): Rodney Tucker and Paul Reiffel take the field as on-field umpires, with Allahudien Paleker as TV Umpire and Sam Nogajski as the fourth official.
- England vs Sri Lanka (Feb 22): Adrian Holdstock and Ahsan Raza will serve as the on-field umpires in Kandy.
- England vs Pakistan (Feb 24): Sam Nogajski returns to the field alongside India’s Nitin Menon in Kandy.
- Sri Lanka vs New Zealand (Feb 25): Allahudien Paleker moves to on-field duties with Asif Yaqoob in Colombo.
- New Zealand vs England (Feb 27): Adrian Holdstock and Ahsan Raza join forces again as the on-field team.
- Sri Lanka vs Pakistan (Feb 28): The on-field duo will consist of Rodney Tucker and Sam Nogajski in Kandy.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Date, Match Time, Broadcast, Live Streaming details
T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Group 2 officials: The Ahmedabad and Mumbai clashes
Group 1 action begins with a blockbuster repeat of the 2024 Final as co-hosts India face South Africa in Ahmedabad. The appointment of Chris Gaffaney, who stood in the final two years ago, signals the ICC’s intent to bring championship-level pedigree to this repeat fixture.
- India vs South Africa (Feb 22): Chris Gaffaney and Richard Kettleborough lead the on-field team, supported by Alex Wharf (TV) and Chris Brown (4th).
- Zimbabwe vs West Indies (Feb 23): Surprise package Zimbabwe will be officiated by Richard Illingworth and Jayaraman Madanagopal in Mumbai.
- India vs Zimbabwe (Feb 26): Alex Wharf and Richard Kettleborough take charge of the on-field duties.
- West Indies vs South Africa (Feb 26): Kumar Dharmasena, who recently completed his 50th T20I as an umpire, will stand with Shahid Saikat.
- South Africa vs Zimbabwe (Mar 1): Kumar Dharmasena joins Richard Illingworth for this crucial final group game.
- India vs West Indies (Mar 1): The Super Eight stage concludes in Kolkata with Chris Gaffaney and Alex Wharf as the on-field pair.
Match officials at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8
Match Referees: Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson, Javagal Srinath.
Umpires: Rodney Tucker, Paul Reiffel, Allahudien Paleker, Sam Nogajski, Nitin Menon, Adrian Holdstock, Ahsan Raza, Asif Yaqoob, Richard Kettleborough, Chris Gaffaney, Alex Wharf, Chris Brown, Richard Illingworth, Jayaraman Madanagopal, Shahid Saikat, Kumar Dharmasena.
