The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the full list of match officials for the group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on 7 February across venues in India and Sri Lanka.
A total of 24 on-field umpires and six match referees have been appointed for the opening phase of the tournament, bringing together some of the most experienced officials in world cricket. The ICC confirmed that appointments for the Super Eight and knockout stages will be announced later in the competition.
Dharmasena and Knights to officiate opening match
The tournament opener between Pakistan and the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo will be officiated by Kumar Dharmasena and Wayne Knights.
While Knights will make his first appearance at an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the match marks another milestone for Dharmasena, one of the most respected umpires in the international game.
A member of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning side, Dharmasena has officiated in 37 matches at the Men’s T20 World Cup, including the finals in 2016 and 2022, placing him fourth on the all-time list for appearances at the tournament.
For Knights, the opening Group A fixture will also be special, as it will be his 50th T20 International as an on-field umpire.
Opening day fixtures across two cities
On the same day in Kolkata, India’s Nitin Menon will partner Sam Nogajski for the Group C encounter between Scotland and the West Indies.
Menon previously officiated in the first semi-final of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, while Nogajski handled four group matches at the last edition, including India’s clash against the USA.
Later on 7 February, India and the United States will face off in Mumbai, with experienced duo Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker appointed as the on-field umpires.
Rod Tucker closes in on historic milestone
Australian umpire Rod Tucker continues to lead the charts among officials at the Men’s T20 World Cup, with 46 matches officiated so far.
During the 2026 tournament, Tucker is set to bring up his 50th appearance, further extending his record. His schedule includes high-profile group matches such as:
- England vs Nepal
- India vs Namibia
- South Africa vs United Arab Emirates
India vs Pakistan officials confirmed
One of the most anticipated matches of the group stage — India vs Pakistan, scheduled for 15 February in Colombo — will see Richard Illingworth and Kumar Dharmasena officiating on the field.
Illingworth, who stood in the 2024 final, will also reunite with Chris Gaffaney earlier in the tournament for the Group B clash between Australia and Ireland on 11 February.
Key group-stage umpire appointments
| Match | Venue | On-field Umpires |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan vs Netherlands | Colombo | Dharmasena, Knights |
| Scotland vs West Indies | Kolkata | Menon, Nogajski |
| India vs USA | Mumbai | Reiffel, Tucker |
| Australia vs Ireland | 11 Feb | Gaffaney, Illingworth |
| India vs Pakistan | Colombo | Illingworth, Dharmasena |
Match referees – T20 World Cup 2026
| Referees |
|---|
| Dean Cosker |
| David Gilbert |
| Ranjan Madugalle |
| Andrew Pycroft |
| Richie Richardson |
| Javagal Srinath |
Umpires appointed for group stage
| Umpires |
|---|
| 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 |
What’s next?
With squads announced, schedules confirmed and officials now in place, preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 are entering the final phase.
The group stage will run from 7 February, with the world’s top teams competing across multiple venues before the tournament moves into the Super Eight and knockout rounds, for which officials will be named in due course.
FAQs – Match Officials at T20 World Cup 2026
Q1. How many umpires are appointed for the group stage?
24 on-field umpires have been named by the ICC.
Q2. How many match referees will officiate?
Six match referees will serve during the group stage.
Q3. Who will officiate the opening match?
Kumar Dharmasena and Wayne Knights.
Q4. Is this Wayne Knights’ first T20 World Cup?
Yes, it will be his maiden Men’s T20 World Cup appearance.
Q5. Who are the umpires for India vs Pakistan?
Richard Illingworth and Kumar Dharmasena.
Q6. Which umpire has officiated the most T20 World Cup matches?
Rod Tucker currently leads with 46 appearances.
Q7. Will officials for knockout matches be announced later?
Yes, ICC will confirm them after the group stage.
Q8. Has Dharmasena officiated in World Cup finals before?
Yes, in 2016 and 2022.
Q9. Which venue hosts the opening match?
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo.
Q10. When does the tournament begin?
On 7 February 2026.
