The countdown for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is on, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially revealed the list of match officials who will oversee the tournament. Scheduled to take place in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) starting February 19, the competition promises to be an exciting one. The selection of 15 distinguished match officials was recently disclosed, setting the stage for an event that will showcase not only the world’s best cricketing talent but also the top-tier professionalism of the officials involved.
Among the chosen umpires, 12 are set to make their mark at the Champions Trophy. Six of these umpires were part of the 2017 Champions Trophy, ensuring continuity and experience. Notably, Richard Kettleborough, who officiated in the final between Pakistan and India in 2017, returns as part of the officiating team. Kettleborough has officiated in 108 One-Day International (ODI) matches, cementing his place as one of the most seasoned umpires in the world.
Other umpires who will join Kettleborough in Pakistan and the UAE include Chris Gaffaney, Kumar Dharmasena, Richard Illingworth, Paul Reiffel, and Rod Tucker. These umpires were also present in the 2017 edition, where they gained immense experience. Kumar Dharmasena, with his extensive record of 132 ODIs, will continue his legacy as Sri Lanka’s most experienced umpire in the format.
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New faces in the lineup include Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Ahsan Raza, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Alex Wharf, and Joel Wilson. These umpires all officiated at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to the table.
The role of match referees is just as critical, and ICC has selected an experienced panel led by David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, and Andrew Pycroft. Boon, known for his involvement in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, returns to lend his expertise, while Madugalle and Pycroft, both veterans, add to the quality of the team. Madugalle has previously officiated in the 2013 final, and Pycroft has a history of working on major ICC tournaments, including the 2017 Champions Trophy.
The decision to appoint these top-tier officials reflects the ICC’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and fair tournament. Sean Easey, the ICC Senior Manager for Umpires and Referees, emphasized the importance of having such a qualified group to uphold the integrity of the competition. He expressed confidence that the officials’ collective experience will contribute to a well-managed tournament, showcasing fairness and professionalism in every match.
For cricket fans worldwide, the Champions Trophy 2025 is an event to look forward to. As one of the most prestigious competitions in the sport, it brings together the best cricketing nations, and the role of the umpires and referees will be pivotal in maintaining the game’s integrity. With a team of experienced and skilled match officials, this year’s tournament is set to be memorable, ensuring a high standard of umpiring and match management throughout.
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