The countdown to the Champions Trophy 2025 final has begun, with India and New Zealand set to face off at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 9. As the teams prepare for the big day, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has made a significant announcement regarding the officials for the match. The stage is now set for what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two cricketing powerhouses.
The ICC has released the list of umpires and the match referee for the final, which will see Paul Reiffel and Richard Illingworth taking on the roles of on-field umpires. Joel Wilson will be the third umpire, while Kumar Dharmasena will serve as the fourth umpire. Ranjan Madugalle, meanwhile, will oversee proceedings as the match referee. Notably, Paul Reiffel recently officiated in the semifinal match between South Africa and New Zealand in Lahore, while Richard Illingworth was involved in the India-Australia semifinal in Dubai.
It’s worth recalling that Richard Illingworth has had a long and distinguished career as an umpire, having been named ICC Umpire of the Year on four occasions. Interestingly, he was also the umpire in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, where India defeated South Africa to claim the title. Illingworth has often been regarded as a fair and impartial umpire, and his experience will undoubtedly be invaluable in the high-stakes final.
The announcement of the officials for the final is typically made after the semifinals, as the teams are not known until the last four are decided. The ICC takes care to ensure that umpires from the countries of the competing teams are not involved in the final, to maintain fairness and impartiality. This time around, with India and New Zealand contesting the final, umpires from these countries have not been included in the panel. As the two teams prepare to clash, all eyes will be on the Dubai International Stadium, eager to see which team will emerge victorious and claim the coveted Champions Trophy title.
The final is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting talented squads and a wealth of experience. India, led by Rohit Sharma, will be looking to capitalize on their strong form, while New Zealand, under the captaincy of Mitchell Santner, will be seeking to cause an upset and claim their first Champions Trophy title. With the officials now announced, the stage is set for a thrilling contest that will be watched by millions around the world. Will India’s batsmen be able to take on the New Zealand bowlers, or will the Kiwis’ batting lineup prove too strong for the Indian attack? The wait is almost over, and cricket fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating the start of the match.
