The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled from 19 February to 9 March 2025 in Pakistan and the UAE. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the 15 match officials for the tournament, which includes 12 umpires and 3 referees. These officials have been selected to manage the 15 matches that will take place across four cities in Pakistan and the UAE.
Umpires Panel
A total of 12 umpires have been selected to officiate at this prestigious event. Six of them are returning from the 2017 Champions Trophy:
Returning Umpires
- Richard Kettleborough (England): He officiated the 2017 Champions Trophy final and the 2023 World Cup final.
- Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka): Dharmasena has officiated the most ODIs by a Sri Lankan umpire, with 132 ODIs.
- Richard Illingworth (England): Illingworth was part of the 2023 World Cup final.
- Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand)
- Paul Reiffel (Australia)
- Rod Tucker (Australia)
Other Selected Umpires
These umpires have also been selected and have officiated in major tournaments, including the 2023 World Cup:
- Michael Gough (England)
- Adrian Holdstock (South Africa)
- Ahsan Raza (Pakistan)
- Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid (Bangladesh)
- Alex Wharf (Wales)
- Joel Wilson (West Indies)
Match Referees
In addition to the umpires, three referees from the ICC Elite Panel will oversee the matches:
- David Boon (Australia): Boon was the match referee for the 2017 Champions Trophy final.
- Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka): Madugalle officiated the 2013 Champions Trophy final.
- Andrew Pycroft (Zimbabwe): Pycroft was also part of the 2017 tournament.
Tournament Details
- Dates: 19 February – 9 March 2025
- Venues: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi (Pakistan), and Dubai (UAE)
- Teams: 8 teams will participate, with 15 matches in total.
- Final: The final will be held in Lahore, or Dubai if India qualifies.
Key Matches
- Opening Match: Pakistan vs. New Zealand (19 February, Karachi)
- India vs. Pakistan: 23 February, Dubai
ICC Statement
According to Sean Easey, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees:
“We are confident this group will do an outstanding job in ensuring a smooth and fair tournament. Their expertise is invaluable for such a high-profile event.”
Tournament Significance
This tournament holds special importance for various reasons:
- Pakistan’s First Global Event Since 1996: Pakistan will host a major global cricket tournament for the first time since 1996.
- Defending Champions: Pakistan, the winners of the 2017 Champions Trophy, will aim to retain their title.
For full schedules and ticket details, visit the ICC’s official page.