Reiffel and Illingworth to Officiate ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final Between India and New Zealand

Reiffel and Illingworth to Officiate ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final Between India and New Zealand

Experienced Umpires Take Charge of the High-Stakes Final

As India and New Zealand prepare to battle it out in the highly anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the officiating team for the marquee event. Paul Reiffel and Richard Illingworth, two of the most experienced umpires from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel, have been appointed as the on-field umpires for the grand finale set to take place on Sunday.

The duo’s appointment adds a layer of authority and expertise to what promises to be an electrifying contest. Both umpires bring years of experience and have previously officiated in high-pressure ICC tournaments, ensuring the game will be conducted with the highest level of professionalism.

Reiffel and Illingworth’s Road to the Final

Both Reiffel and Illingworth played key roles in the semi-final matches leading up to the final. Illingworth stood as an on-field umpire during India’s hard-fought four-wicket victory over Australia, while Reiffel was in charge during New Zealand’s commanding 50-run win over South Africa.

Richard Illingworth, a four-time ICC Umpire of the Year award winner, has a remarkable track record in major ICC events. He was also one of the on-field umpires in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final. Additionally, Illingworth officiated in the group-stage clash between India and New Zealand, which India won by 44 runs, giving him prior experience with both teams in this tournament.

Meanwhile, Paul Reiffel, a former Australian cricketer-turned-elite umpire, has been a consistent figure in international cricket. His ability to make decisive calls under pressure makes him a valuable asset to the officiating panel for the final.

Support Staff for the Final

Joining Reiffel and Illingworth on the officiating team are Joel Wilson as the third umpire and Kumar Dharmasena as the fourth umpire. Wilson, a seasoned umpire from Trinidad, has been entrusted with the crucial role of third umpire, a position he previously held during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final.

Kumar Dharmasena, a former Sri Lankan cricketer and experienced ICC umpire, will serve as the fourth umpire, assisting the on-field umpires in ensuring smooth conduct of the game.

Overseeing the entire proceedings as the match referee will be Ranjan Madugalle, the most experienced member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Madugalle, who has officiated in numerous ICC tournament finals, brings immense credibility and leadership to the officiating panel.

The Importance of an Experienced Officiating Team

With a high-profile final on the horizon, having a team of seasoned officials is crucial to ensuring fairness and maintaining the integrity of the game. ICC tournaments have witnessed controversial moments in the past, making the role of umpires even more significant. The appointment of Reiffel and Illingworth, both renowned for their accuracy and composure, reinforces ICC’s commitment to upholding the highest officiating standards.

The presence of an experienced match referee in Ranjan Madugalle adds further assurance that the final will be conducted smoothly. His vast experience in managing high-pressure games will be invaluable as India and New Zealand battle for the prestigious ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

India vs New Zealand: A Final to Remember

The stage is set for an epic showdown between two of the world’s most formidable cricket teams. India, led by their dynamic captain, will be looking to add another ICC trophy to their rich cricketing legacy. Meanwhile, New Zealand, known for their resilience in global tournaments, will aim to claim their second ICC Champions Trophy title.

With the game set to be played at the Dubai International Stadium, the conditions will favor both pacers and spinners, making umpiring decisions even more crucial. The accuracy of LBW calls, the sharpness in detecting faint edges, and precise DRS decisions could all play a defining role in determining the outcome of the final.

Final Thoughts: A Fitting End to an Exciting Tournament

As cricket fans around the world gear up for the final, all eyes will be on not just the players but also the match officials, who will have the responsibility of ensuring a fair contest. The presence of Reiffel, Illingworth, Wilson, Dharmasena, and Madugalle in the officiating team guarantees that the biggest game of the tournament will be managed with expertise and professionalism.

With India and New Zealand ready for battle, and the best umpires in charge, the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final is set to be a spectacle that cricket fans won’t want to miss.