The ICC has officially announced the team of umpires for the upcoming India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash in Colombo, scheduled for February 15, 2026. This match is highly anticipated, as it features two of cricket’s most storied rivals.
Elite Umpires Heading to T20 World Cup
Nitin Menon, a prominent member of the ICC Elite Panel, will officiate his fourth T20 World Cup. Menon stands out as the only Indian on the panel and has previously officiated in the 2021, 2022, and 2024 T20 World Cups. He will team up with fellow umpire Sam Nogajski for the opening Group C match between Scotland and the West Indies on February 7.
Notable Umpires and Milestones
- Nitin Menon: First Indian to officiate 150 international matches as an on-field umpire.
- Anantha Padmanabhan: Making his debut at an ICC event.
- J Madanagopal: Participating in his second T20 World Cup.
- Kumar Dharmasena: Officiated 37 T20 World Cup matches, including finals in 2016 and 2022.
- Wayne Knights: Completing 50 T20Is as an on-field umpire during the Group A match.
On the Group A match day, February 7, Dharmasena and Knights will officiate the match between Pakistan and the Netherlands in Sri Lanka. This critical matchup will add to Dharmasena’s extensive experience, placing him fourth in T20 World Cup officiating history.
Upcoming Matches and Appointments
The appointments for the Super Eight and knockout stages will be revealed by the ICC later on. As for the India-Pakistan match, Richard Illingworth will join Dharmasena as an on-field umpire. Illingworth, along with Chris Gaffaney, will also officiate the Group B match between Australia and Ireland on February 11.
Complete List of Match Officials
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Match Referee | Dean Cosker |
| Match Referee | David Gilbert |
| Match Referee | Ranjan Madugalle |
| Umpire | Kumar Dharmasena |
| Umpire | Nitin Menon |
| Umpire | Anantha Padmanabhan |
| Umpire | Sam Nogajski |
| Umpire | Wayne Knights |
The tournament promises to deliver intense cricketing action, with a well-seasoned group of officials ready to manage the games efficiently. Fans are eagerly looking forward to what this year’s T20 World Cup will bring.
