AHMEDABAD: The Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Officials have been confirmed for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
England’s Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf will act as field umpires for the showpiece meet.
Illingworth will officiate his second consecutive ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final alongside Chris Kafeni in the 2024 edition.
The appointment continues Illingworth’s impressive record at major ICC events. In recent years, he has also refereed the finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
Wharf, who joined the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires last year, has previously umpired the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
The duo shared the duties during New Zealand’s thrilling semi-final win over South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata earlier this week.
In support of the on-field officials, Allauddin Palekar of South Africa was appointed as the third umpire. The 48-year-old, who was elevated to the Emirates ICC Elite Panel with Wharf in March 2025, has officiated six matches during the tournament.
Fellow South African Adrian Holdstock will serve as the fourth official, while Andy Bycroft will serve as match referee in Ahmedabad.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final – India vs New Zealand