The Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and Umpires has been announced for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-finals, with the knockout matches to be played in Kolkata and Mumbai.
Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf will act as on-field umpires for the first semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
Illingworth was the on-field umpire during South Africa’s T20 World Cup semi-final against Afghanistan two years ago.
Meanwhile, Wharf also refereed New Zealand’s win over Afghanistan during the group stage of the ongoing tournament.
Nitin Menon has been appointed as the third umpire and Rod Tucker as the fourth umpire. Javagal Srinath will act as the match referee for the Kolkata clash.
India will face England in the second semi-final, scheduled for Thursday, March 5 in Mumbai. Chris Gaffane and Allauddin Palekar have been appointed as the field referees for the match.
Kafane was the referee when the two teams met at the same stage during the 2024 edition of the tournament. Balekar, on the other hand, oversaw England’s two matches in this year’s tournament and India’s win over the Netherlands.
Adrian Holdstock will act as the third umpire in Mumbai, while Paul Reiffel will be the fourth umpire. Andy Bycroft will serve as the match referee.
Semi Final 1 – Kolkata, Wednesday 4th March 2026
South Africa v New Zealand
- Field Umpires: Richard Illingworth & Alex Wharf
- Third Umpire: Nitin Menon
- Fourth Referee: Rod Tucker
- Match Referee: Javagal Srinath
Semi Final 2 – Mumbai, Thursday 5 March 2026
India v England