Richard Illingworth will stand alongside Kumar Dharmasena for the high-profile group-stage clash between India and Pakistan in Colombo on February 15, as the ICC has confirmed the match officials for the group stage of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7.
Kumar Dharmasena, a member of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning team, brings extensive tournament experience, having officiated 37 T20 World Cup matches, including the 2016 and 2022 finals.
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Richard Illingworth, who stood in the 2024 final, will join him for the tournament’s most anticipated encounter.
The opening match between Pakistan and the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground will see Dharmasena paired with Wayne Knights, marking Knights’ T20 World Cup debut and his 50th T20 International as an on-field umpire.
Other matches on February 7 include Scotland vs West Indies in Kolkata, umpired by Nitin Menon and Sam Nogajski, followed by India vs USA in Mumbai, with Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker officiating.
Tucker, who has officiated 46 T20 World Cup matches, will reach his 50th appearance during the tournament.
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Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth will reunite for Australia vs Ireland on February 11, while the ICC has appointed six match referees and 24 on-field umpires to ensure smooth conduct of the group-stage fixtures.
The match officials list features experienced names like Roland Black, Chris Brown, Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Wayne Knights, Donovan Koch, Jayaraman Madanagopal, Nitin Menon, Sam Nogajski, KNA Padmanabhan, Allahuddien Paleker, Ahsan Raza, Leslie Reifer, Paul Reiffel, Langton Rusere, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Gazi Sohel, Rod Tucker, Alex Wharf, Raveendra Wimalasiri, Asif Yaqoob.
Match Referees:
Dean Cosker, David Gilbert, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson, Javagal Srinath.
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With top officials in place, the group-stage promises fair competition and thrilling cricket ahead of the Super Eight and knockout rounds.
