ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Richard Illingworth and Paul Reiffel, have been appointed as the on-field umpires for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final between New Zealand and India to be played at Dubai International Stadium on March 9 (Sunday).
The two members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, also stood in the semi-finals of the ongoing tournament, with Reiffel overseeing the Black Caps’ 50-run victory over South Africa and Illingworth in the middle for India’s four-wicket win over Australia.
Illingworth, four-time ICC Umpire of the Year, also stood in the final of the Cricket World Cup 2023, as well as the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
He also oversaw the Group A match between the two finalists, which India won by 44 runs.
Joel Wilson has been appointed as third umpire and Kumar Dharmasena as the fourth.
Both Emirates ICC Elite Panel umpires were part of the officiating team in the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand, with Dharmasena on-field, alongside Reiffel, and Wilson stationed as the third umpire.
Ranjan Madugalle, the most experienced member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will oversee the match.
Dubai International Stadium, having a seating capacity of around 25,000, is all set to host packed Champions Trophy final.
The final of the Champions Trophy has drawn massive interest, as all 25,000 tickets have already been sold out.
Final of Champions Trophy 2025
Final match will be played between India and New Zealand, starting at 2 in the afternoon.
The sold-out crowd reflects the enthusiasm of cricket fans eager to watch the tournament’s climax.
The Dubai Stadium is expected to be packed with spectators from across the world.
Doors for the final will open at 10:00am local time, with the match set to begin at 1:00pm.
Fans have been advised to arrive early to ensure a smooth entry.
