The ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and Umpires has been appointed for the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as the tournament reaches its decisive stage.
Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf will serve as the on-field umpires for the first semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand on Wednesday, March 4, at Eden Gardens.
Illingworth also stood as an on-field umpire during South Africa’s T20 World Cup semi-final against Afghanistan two years ago, while Wharf previously officiated New Zealand’s win over the same opposition during the 2026 group stage.
They will be joined in Kolkata by Nitin Menon as the third umpire, Rod Tucker as the fourth umpire, and Javagal Srinath taking charge as the match referee.
For the second semi-final on March 5 in Mumbai, Chris Gaffaney and Allahuddien Paleker will take charge as the on-field umpires.
Gaffaney also officiated when the two teams met at the same stage during the 2024 edition of the tournament, while Paleker has already stood in two of England’s matches in the ongoing tournament as well as India’s victory over the Netherlands.
Adrian Holdstock will serve as the third umpire for the clash, with Paul Reiffel appointed as the fourth umpire and Andy Pycroft named as the match referee.
Semi-Final 1: Kolkata, Wednesday 4 March 2026
South Africa v New Zealand
- On-field: Richard Illingworth & Alex Wharf
- Third: Nitin Menon
- Fourth: Rod Tucker
- Referee: Javagal Srinath
Semi-Final 2: Mumbai, Thursday 5 March 2026
India v England
- On-field: Chris Gaffaney & Allahuddien Paleker
- Third: Adrian Holdstock
- Fourth: Paul Reiffel
- Referee: Andy Pycroft
