ICC Announces Match Officials for Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the match officials for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated global cricket tournaments. The mega event is scheduled to take place from February 7 to March 8, 2026, bringing together top teams from around the world in a month-long celebration of T20 cricket.
According to the ICC, a total of 24 umpires have been appointed as on-field officials for the group stage of the tournament. In addition, six experienced officials will serve as match referees during the opening phase. The appointments reflect the ICC’s focus on maintaining high officiating standards, consistency, and fairness across all matches.
The cricket governing body confirmed that officials for the Super Eight stage and the knockout rounds will be announced at a later date. This phased approach allows the ICC to assess tournament requirements while ensuring that the most suitable officials are assigned to high-pressure matches later in the competition.
The tournament will begin with an exciting opening fixture between Pakistan and the Netherlands. The match is scheduled to be played at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo, a venue known for hosting high-profile international encounters. For this opening game, Kumar Dharmasena and Wayne Knights have been named as the on-field umpires.
Both officials bring extensive international experience to the tournament. Kumar Dharmasena, a former Sri Lankan international cricketer, is widely respected for his calm on-field presence and decision-making at major ICC events. Wayne Knights has also officiated in numerous international fixtures, adding further credibility to the officiating panel.
The appointment of match officials is a critical component of tournament planning, as umpires and referees play a central role in upholding the spirit and laws of the game. With T20 cricket often decided by fine margins, accurate and consistent officiating becomes even more essential.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to draw massive global attention, with fans eagerly awaiting high-intensity matches, emerging talents, and classic rivalries. As preparations continue, the announcement of match officials marks another important milestone in the buildup to the tournament.
Further details regarding officiating appointments for the later stages of the competition are expected closer to the start of the Super Eight phase, as anticipation continues to grow among players, teams, and cricket fans worldwide.
