As anticipation builds for the highly awaited final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially confirmed the match officials for the grand showdown.
The summit clash, set to take place in Dubai on Sunday, March 9, will witness an electrifying battle between India and New Zealand as both teams vie for the prestigious Champions Trophy title.
A highly experienced panel of officials has been selected to oversee this marquee encounter. The on-field umpires for the final will be Paul Reiffel and Richard Illingworth, ensuring fair play and adherence to the game’s highest standards. Joel Wilson has been appointed as the third umpire, while Kumar Dharmasena will serve as the fourth umpire. The match referee for the grand finale will be the highly respected Ranjan Madugalle.
Paul Reiffel played a crucial role as one of the on-field umpires in the thrilling South Africa-New Zealand semi-final in Lahore. Meanwhile, Richard Illingworth, a four-time ICC Umpire of the Year, was instrumental in officiating the intense India-Australia semi-final in Dubai. Illingworth brings vast experience, having also officiated in the final of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Additionally, he was in charge of the Group A match between the two Champions Trophy finalists, where India secured a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand.
The road to the final has been exhilarating. India clinched their spot after a nail-biting four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final, showcasing their resilience under pressure. New Zealand, on the other hand, put on a stellar batting display to overpower South Africa with a commanding 50-run win in the second semi-final. Now, with the stage set for the grand finale, cricket fans across the globe eagerly await to see who will lift the Champions Trophy in 2025.
The highly anticipated final will commence at 1:00 PM GST at the Dubai International Stadium. With a world-class officiating team in place and two top-tier teams battling it out, the Champions Trophy 2025 final promises to be an unforgettable contest filled with intensity, skill, and high-stakes drama.