The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the match officials panel for the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, appointing 17 umpires and four match referees for the prestigious youth tournament. The event, set to be hosted jointly by Zimbabwe and Namibia, will feature future international stars — and the ICC has ensured that officiating standards match the importance of the competition.
The selected officials come from 13 different countries, reflecting the ICC’s emphasis on neutrality, diversity, and global development. All officials are part of the Emirates ICC International Panels, ensuring experience, consistency, and professionalism across the tournament’s fixtures.
Umpires Appointed for U19 World Cup 2026
The 17 umpires named for the tournament include a blend of seasoned officials and rising names in international officiating:
- Ahmad Shah Durrani (Afghanistan)
- Aidan Seaver (Ireland)
- Cory Black (New Zealand)
- Deighton Butler (West Indies)
- Faisal Afridi (Pakistan)
- Forster Mutizwa (Zimbabwe)
- Graham Lloyd (England)
- Iknow Chabi (Zimbabwe)
- Lubabalo Gcuma (South Africa)
- Masudur Mukul (Bangladesh)
- Nitin Bathi (Netherlands)
- Prageeth Rambukwella (Sri Lanka)
- Russell Warren (England)
- Shaun Haig (New Zealand)
- Shawn Craig (Australia)
- Virender Sharma (India)
- Zahid Bassarath (West Indies)
Several officials bring unique experience to the panel. Deighton Butler, a former West Indies international cricketer, continues to build a strong reputation as an umpire. Host nation Zimbabwe is represented by Forster Mutizwa, another former international player, and Iknow Chabi, strengthening local involvement in the event. England’s Graham Lloyd, son of respected former umpire David Lloyd, also features prominently.
Match Referees for the Tournament
Four highly experienced match referees have been appointed to oversee disciplinary matters, playing conditions, and overall match conduct:
- Dean Cosker (England)
- Prakash Bhatt (India)
- Graeme La Brooy (Sri Lanka)
- Neeyamur Rahul (Bangladesh)
These referees bring extensive ICC tournament experience and will play a key role in maintaining discipline and ensuring matches are conducted in line with the spirit and laws of the game.
The U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is widely regarded as a launchpad for future international cricketers — and the same applies to match officials. The ICC views the tournament as a crucial development platform, offering officials exposure to high-pressure international matches and varied playing conditions.
With 41 matches scheduled across the tournament, consistency in decision-making and match management will be vital. The appointed officials will rotate across venues, gaining experience in different environments while ensuring fairness and neutrality for all teams involved.
The geographic spread of officials — from Full Member and Associate nations — underlines the ICC’s broader goal of strengthening cricket infrastructure globally. Developing umpires and referees alongside players is seen as essential for the long-term health of the sport.
While much of the spotlight will fall on emerging cricketing talent, the officials’ role remains fundamental. Their decisions, control of the game, and adherence to standards will quietly shape the tournament’s success.
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