The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the match officials for the group stage of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, commencing on February 7. A total of 24 on-field umpires and six match referees will officiate during this stage. Notably, Kumar Dharmasena and Wayne Knights will be the on-field umpires for the inaugural match between Pakistan and the Netherlands in Colombo.
Dharmasena, a member of Sri Lanka’s 1996 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup-winning team, boasts significant tournament experience, having officiated in 37 matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. On the other hand, Knights will mark his first appearance at an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup during this event.
In Kolkata, Nitin Menon and Sam Nogajski will officiate the Group C match between Scotland and the West Indies on the opening day. Menon, who previously officiated in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final, will join Nogajski, who officiated in four group matches in the last edition.
Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker have been appointed as the on-field umpires for the match between India and the USA on February 7 in Mumbai. Tucker holds the record for officiating the most matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with 46 appearances to date. He is set to reach his 50th match during this tournament.
Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth will reunite for the Group B match between Australia and Ireland on February 11. Additionally, Illingworth will join Dharmasena for the crucial group-stage match between India and Pakistan in Colombo on February 15.
