The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially released the match officials’ schedule for the group-stage fixtures of the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament, set to commence on February 19, will feature elite umpires and referees overseeing the contests.
Opening Match Officials
The tournament opener between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi will be officiated by Richard Kettleborough and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid as on-field umpires. Joel Wilson has been assigned as the TV umpire, while Alex Wharf will serve as the fourth umpire. Andrew Pycroft will take on the role of match referee.
No Indian Umpires in Champions Trophy 2025
One of the notable aspects of the officiating panel is the absence of Indian umpires, as per a mutual agreement between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the ICC.
Full Match Officials’ Schedule for Group Stage
February 19 – Pakistan vs. New Zealand (Karachi)
On-field umpires: Richard Kettleborough, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid
TV umpire: Joel Wilson
Fourth umpire: Alex Wharf
Referee: Andrew Pycroft
February 20 – Bangladesh vs. India (Dubai)
On-field umpires: Adrian Holdstock, Paul Reiffel
TV umpire: Richard Illingworth
Fourth umpire: Michael Gough
Referee: David Boon
February 21 – Afghanistan vs. South Africa (Karachi)
On-field umpires: Alex Wharf, Rodney Tucker
TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough
Fourth umpire: Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid
Referee: Ranjan Madugalle
February 22 – Australia vs. England (Lahore)
On-field umpires: Joel Wilson, Chris Gaffaney
TV umpire: Kumar Dharmasena
Fourth umpire: Ahsan Raza
Referee: Andrew Pycroft
February 23 – Pakistan vs. India (Dubai)
On-field umpires: Paul Reiffel, Richard Illingworth
TV umpire: Michael Gough
Fourth umpire: Adrian Holdstock
Referee: David Boon
February 24 – Bangladesh vs. New Zealand (Rawalpindi)
On-field umpires: Ahsan Raza, Kumar Dharmasena
TV umpire: Rodney Tucker
Fourth umpire: Joel Wilson
Referee: Ranjan Madugalle
February 25 – Australia vs. South Africa (Rawalpindi)
On-field umpires: Richard Kettleborough, Chris Gaffaney
TV umpire: Alex Wharf
Fourth umpire: Kumar Dharmasena
Referee: Andrew Pycroft
February 26 – Afghanistan vs. England (Lahore)
On-field umpires: Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Joel Wilson
TV umpire: Ahsan Raza
Fourth umpire: Rodney Tucker
Referee: Ranjan Madugalle
February 27 – Pakistan vs. Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
On-field umpires: Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock
TV umpire: Paul Reiffel
Fourth umpire: Richard Illingworth
Referee: David Boon
February 28 – Afghanistan vs. Australia (Lahore)
On-field umpires: Alex Wharf, Kumar Dharmasena
TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney
Fourth umpire: Richard Kettleborough
Referee: Andrew Pycroft
March 1 – South Africa vs. England (Karachi)
On-field umpires: Rodney Tucker, Ahsan Raza
TV umpire: Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid
Fourth umpire: Joel Wilson
Referee: Ranjan Madugalle
March 2 – New Zealand vs. India (Dubai)
On-field umpires: Michael Gough, Richard Illingworth
TV umpire: Adrian Holdstock
Fourth umpire: Paul Reiffel
Referee: David Boon
Exciting Tournament Ahead
With an experienced lineup of umpires and match referees, the Champions Trophy 2025 promises to deliver thrilling contests while ensuring the highest level of officiating. Cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the group-stage battles as teams compete for a place in the knockout rounds.
Stay tuned for further updates and analysis on the tournament!
