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The Champions Trophy 2025 Final is set to take place on Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Stadium. Ahead of this highly anticipated match between India and New Zealand, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has made a major announcement regarding the officials. While both teams continue their preparations for the grand finale, the ICC has finalized the umpires and match referee for this crucial encounter.
ICC Announces Umpires & Match Referee for Champions Trophy Final
The ICC has released the list of umpires and the match referee for the final match between India and New Zealand. The appointed officials are:
- Paul Reiffel – On-field umpire
- Richard Illingworth – On-field umpire
- Joel Wilson – Third umpire
- Kumar Dharmasena – Fourth umpire
- Ranjan Madugalle – Match referee
Paul Reiffel recently officiated in the semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand in Lahore, while Richard Illingworth was part of the India vs Australia semi-final in Dubai.
Richard Illingworth’s History in ICC Finals
One of the key umpires for the final, Richard Illingworth, has a long history of officiating in major ICC tournaments. Notably, he was the umpire during several ICC matches where India previously faced defeats. However, in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, when India faced South Africa, Illingworth was the umpire, and India emerged victorious.
In recognition of his umpiring excellence, Richard Illingworth has been awarded the ICC Umpire of the Year title four times.
ICC’s Umpire Selection Process for the Final
The ICC follows a strict selection process for choosing umpires for semi-finals and finals in ICC tournaments. The umpires are only announced once the final teams are confirmed, ensuring that none of the match officials are from the competing nations.
For the Champions Trophy 2025 final, with India and New Zealand set to clash, the ICC has ensured that no umpires from either country are included in the match officials' panel.
India vs New Zealand: Who Will Lift the Trophy?
As the final showdown approaches, both India and New Zealand are intensifying their match strategies and preparations. India has already arrived in Dubai, while New Zealand traveled from Lahore after their semi-final victory over South Africa. With the umpires now confirmed, all eyes will be on the teams’ performances in the grand finale.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Champions Trophy 2025 final!
