Kolkata & Mumbai, March 3, 2026 – The Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and Umpires for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals has been officially announced ahead of the knockout fixtures.
The semi-finals will be held in Kolkata and Mumbai, with top officials from the ICC Elite Panel overseeing the high-stakes encounters.
Semi-Final 1: South Africa vs New Zealand – Kolkata, March 4, 2026
Role Official
On-field Umpires Richard Illingworth & Alex Wharf
Third Umpire Nitin Menon
Fourth Umpire Rod Tucker
Match Referee Javagal Srinath
• Richard Illingworth previously officiated South Africa’s semi-final against Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
• Alex Wharf umpired New Zealand’s win over Afghanistan in the 2026 group stage.
The officiating team will ensure fair play and uphold ICC standards during the first semi-final at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Semi-Final 2: India vs England – Mumbai, March 5, 2026
Role Official
On-field Umpires Chris Gaffaney & Allahuddien Paleker
Third Umpire Adrian Holdstock
Fourth Umpire Paul Reiffel
Match Referee Andy Pycroft
• Chris Gaffaney previously officiated when India and England met at the 2024 semi-final stage.
• Allahuddien Paleker has officiated England’s matches in this tournament, including India’s victory over the Netherlands.
The match will take place in Mumbai, with the Elite Panel maintaining high officiating standards.
The ICC emphasizes that experienced umpires and referees are crucial for fair play in knockout fixtures, ensuring the semi-finals are conducted with integrity and precision. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating these clashes between cricketing giants.