International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the list of match officials who will oversee the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026Which is an important step in the preparations for the global youth event. This tournament is going to start from 15th January zimbabweIt will include a multicultural officiating group comprising 18 umpires and four match referees from the Emirates ICC International Panel.
Global representation at U19 World Cup 2026
The ICC has ensured strong international representation with officials from 13 different countries in its officiating appointments. This broad mix reflects the governing body’s emphasis on neutrality, experience and continuity as the world’s best young cricketers prepare to compete on the global stage.
Host country Zimbabwe will be represented by two umpires – Forster Mutizwa And know chibiMutizwa brings valuable insight on the field, having previously played 21 international matches for Zimbabwe across all formats, His transformation from international cricketer to elite umpire underlines the ICC’s efforts to include former players in umpiring roles,
Experienced names add credibility to umpiring panel
The umpiring lineup includes a number of experienced officials with extensive experience in international and domestic cricket. Former West Indies international deighton butler One of the notable appointments, adding a strong cricketing pedigree to the panel. of England Graham Lloyd has also been elected, continuing his father’s family legacy of serving as david lloyd Before becoming a leading broadcaster he was a respected international umpire.
Other umpires named for the tournament come from a wide range of full member and associate nations, including Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ireland and the Netherlands. The ICC believes that this balance of backgrounds will help maintain high officiating standards in different playing situations.
Match referees bring international monitoring
As well as the umpires, four highly experienced match referees have been appointed to oversee the conduct of matches throughout the competition. of England dean coskerfrom india Prakash BhattSri Lankan Graeme LeBruyeand of bangladesh Neyamur Rahul Will be in charge of match management, code of conduct matters and overall operational oversight.
Each referee has previously officiated in ICC tournaments and bilateral series, providing assurance that the Under-19 World Cup will be officiated with professionalism and consistency.
Match Official for U19 World Cup 2026
Umpire: Ahmed Shah Durrani (Afghanistan), Aidan Seaver (Ireland), Corey Black (New Zealand), Deighton Butler (West Indies), Faisal Afridi (Pakistan), Forster Mutijwa (Zimbabwe), Graham Lloyd (England), Ikono Chabi (Zimbabwe), Lubabalo Gakuma (South Africa), Masudur Mukul (Bangladesh), Nitin Bathi (Netherlands), Philip Gillespie (Australia), Pragith Rambukwella (Sri Lanka), Russell Warren (England), Shaun Haig (New Zealand), Shaun Craig (Australia), Virender Sharma (India), Zahid Basrath (West Indies).
Ref: Dean Cosker (England), Graeme La Bruye (Sri Lanka), Niyamur Rahul (Bangladesh), Prakash Bhatt (India)
Also read: Sri Lanka announces strong team for U19 World Cup 2026, Vimath Dinsara will be the leader
