Table of Contents
The International Cricket Council has officially confirmed the match officials for the Super Eights stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. As the tournament enters its high-stakes phase, experienced umpires and referees have been assigned to oversee crucial clashes across Sri Lanka and India.
With top teams battling for semifinal spots, the role of match officials becomes even more significant in ensuring fair play and smooth conduct of games.
MATCH OFFICIALS: Super Eights Kick-Off in Sri Lanka – Group 2 Fixtures
The Super Eights action begins in Colombo, where New Zealand face Pakistan in the opening Group 2 match on Saturday. Veteran umpires Rodney Tucker and Paul Reiffel will take charge on the field for this important encounter. Allahudien Paleker has been appointed as the TV Umpire, while Sam Nogajski will serve as the Fourth Umpire.
On 28 February, Tucker and Nogajski will again work together as the on-field umpires when Sri Lanka take on Pakistan in Kandy. Nogajski will also officiate England’s clash with Pakistan at the same venue on 24 February, partnering with Nitin Menon.
Adrian Holdstock is another key member of the Sri Lanka-based officiating panel. He will stand alongside Ahsan Raza for England’s matches against Sri Lanka in Kandy on 22 February and later against New Zealand on 27 February.
For Sri Lanka’s fixture against New Zealand in Colombo on 25 February, Allahudien Paleker and Asif Yaqoob will take the field as the on-field umpires.
The Sri Lankan leg of the Super Eights promises intense competition, and the experienced officiating team will ensure the matches are conducted with precision and professionalism.
Group 1 Action Begins in India
Group 1 of the Super Eights starts with co-hosts India taking on South Africa on 22 February. The highly experienced duo of Richard Kettleborough and Chris Gaffaney will oversee the contest as on-field umpires. They will be supported by TV Umpire Alex Wharf and Fourth Umpire Chris Brown.
Gaffaney and Wharf will also officiate the final Super Eight match between India and the West Indies in Kolkata on 1 March. Meanwhile, Wharf and Kettleborough will work together on the field for India’s clash against Zimbabwe on 26 February.
Zimbabwe, who finished the group stage unbeaten, will carry strong momentum into the Super Eights. Their match against an equally confident West Indies side in Mumbai on 23 February will be supervised by Richard Illingworth and Jayaraman Madanagopal.
For the West Indies’ encounter with South Africa on 26 February, Shahid Saikat and Kumar Dharmasena have been appointed as on-field umpires. Dharmasena will return alongside Illingworth for South Africa’s final Super Eight match against Zimbabwe on 1 March.
The Indian venues are set to witness thrilling contests, and the appointment of seasoned officials reflects the importance of this decisive stage.
Match Referees Panel
A distinguished group of match referees will oversee disciplinary and administrative responsibilities during the Super Eights. Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson, and Javagal Srinath will share referee duties throughout the stage.
These former international cricketers bring vast experience and authority to the tournament, ensuring adherence to ICC regulations and maintaining the spirit of the game.
High Stakes, Experienced Officials
As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 progresses into the Super Eights, every match carries semifinal implications. Close finishes, pressure situations, and high-intensity moments are expected across Colombo, Kandy, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
The ICC has entrusted some of the world’s most respected umpires and referees with the responsibility of managing these crucial encounters. Their expertise will be vital in handling reviews, close decisions, and maintaining fairness under pressure.
With top teams such as India, South Africa, Pakistan, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Zimbabwe still in contention, the Super Eights stage promises thrilling cricket — backed by a world-class officiating panel ensuring the tournament runs smoothly and professionally.
Also Read This:
West Indies Enter Super Eight Stage with Unbeaten Run | ICC T20 World Cup 2026
T20 World Cup 2026: Can India Overcome the Off-Spin Challenge in Super 8?
FOLLOW FOR LATEST UPDATES
