The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the list of referees who will oversee the match ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026is an important step in preparation for the global youth event. The tournament will start on January 15 ZimbabweA multicultural panel of 18 referees and four match referees selected from the Emirates ICC International Panels will be in attendance.
Global representation at the 2026 U19 World Cup
The ICC has ensured strong international representation in its posts, with officials from 13 different countries. This extensive mix reflects the governing body’s emphasis on neutrality, experience and consistency as the world’s best young cricketers prepare to compete on the global stage.
Hosts Zimbabwe will be represented by two referees — Forster Escape and I know Chabi. Mutizwa brings valuable insights to the field, having previously played 21 internationals for Zimbabwe in various formats. His transition from international cricketer to elite umpire highlights the ICC’s desire to bring former players into umpiring roles.
Experienced names add credibility to the jury
The panel of umpires includes several experienced officials with extensive experience in international and domestic cricket. Former West Indies international Deighton Butler are among the notable appointments adding a strong cricketing pedigree to the panel. of England Graham Lloyd he was also elected, continuing the family legacy in the judiciary like his father David Lloyd before becoming a prominent broadcaster, he was a respected international judge.
Other referees named for the tournament come from a wide range of full member and associate countries, including Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ireland and the Netherlands. The ICC believes that this background balance will help maintain high standards of umpiring in a variety of playing conditions.
The referees of the match carry out international control
Along with the referees, four highly experienced match referees have been appointed to oversee the conduct of the matches throughout the competition. of England Dean Coskerof India Prakash Bhattof Sri Lanka Graeme Labrooyand Bangladesh Neeyamur Rahul will be responsible for match management, code of conduct and general operational oversight.
Each umpire has previously officiated in ICC tournaments and bilateral series, ensuring that the U-19 World Cup will be officiated with professionalism and consistency.
Match officials for the U-19 World Cup 2026
Judges: Ahmed Shah Durrani (Afghanistan), Aidan Seaver (Ireland), Corey Black (New Zealand), Deighton Butler (West Indies), Faisal Afridi (Pakistan), Forster Mutizwa (Zimbabwe), Graham Lloyd (England), Iknow Chabi (Zimbabwe), Lubabaloh Masudurdeh (Babalo Gcuma) Bathi (Netherlands), Phillip Gillespie (Australia), Prageeth Rambukwella (Sri Lanka), Russell Warren (England), Shaun Haig (New Zealand), Shawn Craig (Australia), Virender Sharma (India), Zahid Bassarath (West Indies)
Judges: Dean Cosker (England), Graeme La Brooy (Sri Lanka), Neeyamur Rahul (Bangladesh), Prakash Bhatt (India)
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