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Only two from India as ICC unveils star-studded match officials for U19 World Cup 2026

Poulomi Chakraborty

ICC names match official for U19 World Cup 2026 (Source: @ICC/x.com) ICC names match official for U19 World Cup 2026 (Source: @ICC/x.com) 

The year 2026 is going to be an absolute favorite for cricket fans across the globe, as the year is all set to deliver a bunch of World Cups. Before the Men’s T20 World Cup goes to the big stage next month, the Under-19 World Cup is set to commence on January 15.

With the tournament commencing soon, the ICC has announced a star-studded match official panel. As Zimbabwe gears up to host, fans around the world are bracing for unforgettable cricketing moments.

ICC reveals star-studded match officials list

The Indian fans just witnessed the Women’s ODI World Cup just a few months ago, and another World Cup is knocking on the door. The Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is set to go live from January 15, as the world is waiting to see some unreal cricketing thrills from the young guns.

As the teams are checking on their last time preparation, the ICC has named the star-studded match official list. With 18 seasoned umpires, along with four ace match referees, the tournament is now set to witness some unreal thrills.

Umpires across the globe named in the list as Virender Sharma from India, will be seen gracing the big stage. Joining him, West Indies’ Deighton Butler and England's Graham Lloyd will bring their experience and expertise to the tournament.

Along with them, Afghanistan’s Ahmad Shah Durrani will be starring in the tournament. Zimbabwe’s own Forster Mutizwa and Iknow Chabi will also shine, officiating key matches on their home turf.

ICC CEO highlights the impact of the Under-19 World Cup

Over the years, the Under-19 World Cup has been a big stage for the youngsters as world cricket discovered some of the shining stars from this stage over the years. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta adds it’s not for players, this tournament is also the perfect spotlight for rising match officials to shine.

“This ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is a tremendous opportunity for rising stars in the game to shine, but it is also an invaluable reward system for up-and-coming match officials. We hope that this will be the perfect springboard for their careers as we see them progress in their officiating journeys,” he said.

List Of Umpires For The Under-19 World Cup: Ahmad Shah Durrani (Afghanistan), Aidan Seaver (Ireland), Cory Black (New Zealand), Shaun Haig (New Zealand), Deighton Butler (West Indies), Zahid Bassarath (West Indies), Faisal Afridi (Pakistan), Forster Mutizwa (Zimbabwe), Iknow Chabi (Zimbabwe), Graham Lloyd (England), Russell Warren (England), Lubabalo Gcuma (South Africa), Masudur Mukul (Bangladesh), Nitin Bathi (Netherlands), Phillip Gillespie (Australia), Shawn Craig (Australia), Prageeth Rambukwella (Sri Lanka), Virender Sharma (India)

List Of Referees: Dean Cosker (England), Graeme La Brooy (Sri Lanka), Neeyamur Rahul (Bangladesh), Prakash Bhatt (India).

As the tournament is starting on January 15, the India Under-19 side will face the USA Under-19 side in the tournament. Before heading to the Super Six stage, India will play two more group stage clashes against Bangladesh Under-19 and New Zealand Under-19.