WTC Final 2025 Officials Announced: Illingworth, Gaffaney Lead Elite ICC Panel

ICC Announces Emirates Elite Panel of Match Officials for WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s

Illingworth, Gaffaney, and Srinath lead a seasoned officiating team for the showpiece clash between Australia and South Africa

As anticipation builds ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, the International Cricket Council has announced the Emirates Elite Panel of Match Officials for cricket’s most prestigious red-ball event. The final, to be held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, will see Australia face off against South Africa in a much-anticipated clash beginning on 11 June 2025.

Bringing experience and consistency to the high-pressure occasion, the ICC has named Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand) and Richard Illingworth (England) as the on-field umpires for the final. The TV umpire role will be taken up by Richard Kettleborough (England), with Nitin Menon (India) acting as the fourth umpire. Javagal Srinath (India), one of the most respected figures in match officiating, will oversee proceedings as Match Referee.

Illingworth to officiate in third straight WTC Final

For Richard Illingworth, the 2025 edition marks a unique milestone. He becomes the only umpire to stand on-field in all three World Test Championship Finals, having been present in 2021 (India vs New Zealand), 2023 (India vs Australia), and now, 2025. His consistency and calm decision-making have earned him four David Shepherd Trophies as ICC Umpire of the Year, most recently in 2024.

Illingworth’s experience in high-stakes Test matches and ICC tournament finals makes him an ideal fit for what promises to be a highly competitive match between two of the sport’s most in-form red-ball sides.

Gaffaney returns to the biggest stage

New Zealand’s Chris Gaffaney, who debuted as a Test umpire in 2014, will also reprise his role from the 2023 WTC Final. Gaffaney’s recent performances in marquee events, including his stint as an on-field umpire in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final, underline his capability to manage pressure and maintain high officiating standards across formats.

His synergy with Illingworth, having worked alongside him in previous ICC events, adds a layer of consistency and trust for the ICC and players alike.

Richard Kettleborough adds depth in TV role

Serving as TV umpire, Richard Kettleborough brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in the decision review system (DRS) domain. His umpiring career spans back to 2010, and he was the TV official in the inaugural WTC Final in 2021. Kettleborough has also stood in the finals of both the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the Champions Trophy, bringing elite-level familiarity with critical match moments.

His calm demeanor and keen eye on replay-based decisions are expected to be key in a final where fine margins could define the outcome.

Nitin Menon makes WTC Final debut

India’s Nitin Menon joins the elite crew as the fourth umpire. Though this is his debut in a World Test Championship Final, Menon has built a strong reputation since joining the Test umpiring ranks in 2019. He was the youngest official in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and served as the TV umpire during the 2021 T20 World Cup Final.

Menon's quick rise in the ranks reflects the ICC's trust in grooming the next generation of match officials through marquee assignments like this one.

Srinath continues legacy of excellence as Match Referee

Overseeing the WTC Final will be Javagal Srinath, one of the most senior and respected Match Referees in the Emirates Elite Panel. A former Indian fast bowler with over 150 Test wickets, Srinath has been part of the ICC's officiating setup for over a decade and has officiated in nearly 100 Tests as Match Referee.

His role in upholding the code of conduct and maintaining the spirit of the game will be vital in a contest that promises to be both fiercely competitive and emotionally charged.

ICC Chairman’s remarks on the panel

Speaking on the appointment of match officials, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said,

“We are pleased to announce an experienced team of match officials for the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, marking the culmination of a highly competitive two-year cycle of Test matches played around the world. We strive to select the most qualified and deserving officials for all matches, and we are confident they will perform admirably.”

The stage is set at Lord’s

This is the second time Lord’s will host the World Test Championship Final, adding to its legacy as cricket’s spiritual home. With Australia returning for a second consecutive final, and South Africa making their debut appearance in the WTC title match, the clash is already steeped in anticipation.

Adding to the significance is the strength of the match officials panel comprising some of the most reliable names in world cricket. Their presence ensures that the game will be overseen with integrity, fairness, and the highest professional standards.

For cricket fans, the combination of world-class players, iconic venue, and elite match officials sets the perfect tone for what could be another historic chapter in Test cricket.