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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the match officials for the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where India will face New
Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.
Some of the most experienced officials from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel will oversee the summit clash of the tournament.
Illingworth and Wharf named on-field umpires for India vs New Zealand
England's Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf have been appointed as the on-field umpires for the final.
Illingworth will officiate in his second consecutive ICC Men's T20 World Cup final, having also stood in the 2024 final alongside Chris Gaffaney. His appointment continues a strong run in major ICC tournaments.
In recent years, Illingworth has also officiated in the finals of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025.
Wharf, meanwhile, joined the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in 2025. He previously officiated in global tournaments including the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 and the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.
Supporting officials for the India vs New Zealand final
South Africa's Allahuddien Paleker will serve as the third umpire for the final. The 48-year-old was elevated to the ICC Elite Panel in March 2025 and has officiated in six matches during the tournament.
Fellow South African Adrian Holdstock has been appointed as the fourth umpire.
Andy Pycroft will take on the role of match referee for the final in Ahmedabad.
ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final match officials
On-field umpires: Richard Illingworth, Alex Wharf
Third umpire: Allahuddien Paleker
Fourth umpire: Adrian Holdstock
Match referee: Andy Pycroft
The final between India and New Zealand will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8, with both teams aiming to lift the T20 World Cup trophy after an intense month-long tournament.
