ICC U19 World Cup 2026: List of Umpires, Match Referees For Semi-Final Fixtures- 2 Indians Added

ICC U19 World Cup 2026: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the match officials for the semi-final stage of the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026, with experienced

umpires and referees appointed for the two high-stakes encounters.

The appointments have been made from the Emirates ICC International Panels of Umpires and Referees, ensuring neutral and seasoned officiating as the tournament heads into its decisive phase.

The first semi-final, scheduled to be played in Bulawayo on Tuesday, 3 February, will see unbeaten sides Australia and England lock horns. Zahid Bassarath and India's Virender Sharma will take charge as the on-field umpires for the contest. Bassarath officiated during England's recent win against New Zealand, while Sharma has already been involved in Australia's victories over Japan and Sri Lanka earlier in the competition.

Supporting them in the umpiring panel, Lubabalo Gcuma has been named as the third umpire, with Prageeth Rambukwella serving as the fourth umpire. The match referee for the fixture will be Prakash Bhatt of India, making it the only semi-final where Indian officials are part of the officiating team.

Attention then shifts to Harare, where the second semi-final between India and Afghanistan will be held on Wednesday, 4 February. Shaun Haig and Russell Warren have been appointed as the on-field umpires for the clash. Haig was previously in the middle for Afghanistan's impressive group-stage wins against South Africa and the West Indies, while Warren officiated during India's victories over the USA and Bangladesh.

Shawn Craig will act as the third umpire for the India-Afghanistan encounter, with Masudur Mukul taking up the role of fourth umpire. Graeme La Brooy has been named as the match referee for the fixture. Notably, there are no Indian officials involved in the officiating setup for this semi-final, maintaining complete neutrality for India's knockout match.

Semi-Final 1: Bulawayo, Tuesday 3 February 2026

Australia v England

On-field Umpires: Zahid Bassarath & Virender Sharma

Third Umpire: Lubabalo Gcuma

Fourth Umpire: Prageeth Rambukwella

Match Referee: Prakash Bhatt

Semi-Final 2: Harare, Wednesday 4 February 2026

India v Afghanistan

On-field Umpires: Shaun Haig & Russell Warren

Third Umpire: Shawn Craig

Fourth Umpire: Masudur Mukul

Match Referee: Graeme La Brooy

With top-quality officiating teams in place, the ICC has ensured that both semi-finals will be conducted under strict adherence to the laws and spirit of the game as the race to the U19 World Cup final intensifies.