The road to the top of age-group cricket has reached its penultimate stage International Cricket Council (ICC) officially confirmed the match officials for the high-stakes semi-final ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026. As four of the world’s most promising youth teams remain in contention for the prestigious silverware, the Emirates ICC International Umpires and Umpires Panel have been carefully selected to oversee these important encounters. Zimbabwe.
The tournament has been a masterclass in emerging talent and as the pressure mounts, the ICC has relied on a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars from the international panel to ensure the highest standards of refereeing. These appointments come at a time when the margin of error is non-existent and the eyes of the cricketing world are on Bulawayo and Harare.
Semi-Final Matches: Undefeated Titans vs Asian Giants
It is intended for the first semi-final February 3, 2026At the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, there is a heavyweight clash between Australia and England. Both sides maintained their unblemished record throughout the competition, making it the unofficial ‘final before the final’. Australia consistently leads Nitish Samuel and captain Oliver Peakdemonstrated clinical efficacy. England, meanwhile, was bolstered by the prolific Ben Mayeswhose batting exploits made them the team to beat.
The action then moves to Harare Sports Club February 4, 2026for an exciting all-Asian encounter between former champions India and sustainable Afghanistan. India secured their place after a hard-fought victory over their arch-rivals Pakistancontinues the undefeated streak under his leadership Ayush Mhatre. Overcoming challenges from Afghanistan South Africa and West India At the start of the tournament, enter the knockouts as a formidable force capable of disrupting any established order.
ICC official panel: Umpires and match referees confirmed
To maintain the integrity of these high-octane matches, the ICC has deployed a strong team of umpires. for the Australia-England match in Bulawayo Zahid Bassarath and Virender Sharma will perform the function of referee on the field. Bassarath is fresh from officiating England’s decisive victory New ZealandVirender, on the other hand, was in control of his dominant performances against Australia Sri Lanka and Japan. Lubabalo Gcuma will act as the Third Judge Prageeth Rambukwella As the Fourth Judge and Prakash Bhatt oversees the match as a referee.
In the second semi-final between India and Afghanistan, the on-field duties fall Shaun Haig and Russell Warren. Haig was a regular in Afghanistan’s successful group stage, while Warren was at the helm during India’s victories. USA and Bangladesh. It is rolled by a panel of judges Shawn Craig (Third Judge), Mukul is in charge (Fourth Judge) and experienced Graeme La Brooy As the referee of the match.
Full list of referees and referees of the match
Semi-final 1: Australia – England
- Referees on the pitch: Zahid Bassarath and Virender Sharma
- Third Judge: Lubabalo Gcuma
- Fourth Referee: Prageeth Rambukwella
- Referee of the match: Prakash Bhatt
Semi-final 2: India in Afghanistan
- Referees on the pitch: Shaun Haig and Russell Warren
- Third Judge: Shawn Craig
- Fourth Referee: Mukul is in charge
- Referee of the match: Graeme La Brooy
