Tuesday 03 / March / 2026
The Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and Umpires for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have been announced ahead of the knockout fixtures in Kolkata and Mumbai.
Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf will be assuming the role of on-field umpires for the first semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand on Wednesday, March 4 at the Eden Gardens.
Illingworth was also among the on-field umpires for South Africa’s T20 World Cup semi-final two years ago against Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Wharf also officiated in New Zealand’s win over the same opposition in the 2026 group stage.
The pair will be joined in Kolkata by Nitin Menon as third umpire, while Rod Tucker will take his place as the fourth umpire and Javagal Srinath as match referee.
Chris Gaffaney and Allahuddien Paleker will stand in-charge of the second semi-final on March 5 as the on-field umpires.
Gaffaney also oversaw the proceedings when the two teams met at the same stage in the 2024 edition of the tournament. Paleker on the other hand, officiated two of England’s matches in the ongoing tournament as well as India’s victory over the Netherlands.
Accompanying the duo in Mumbai will be Adrian Holdstock (third umpire), Paul Reiffel (fourth umpire) and Andy Pycroft (match referee).
Semi-Final 1: Kolkata, Wednesday 4 March 2026
o South Africa v New Zealand
o On-field: Richard Illingworth & Alex Wharf
o Third: Nitin Menon
o Fourth: Rod Tucker
o Referee: Javagal Srinath
Semi-Final 2: Mumbai, Thursday 5 March 2026
o India v England
o On-field: Chris Gaffaney & Allahuddien Paleker
o Third: Adrian Holdstock
o Fourth: Paul Reiffel
o Referee: Andy Pycroft
