The ICC disclosed the match officials for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 semi-finals set to take place on November 15 and 16 in Mumbai and Kolkata.
India, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand secured their spots in the knockout stage following strong performances in the group stage, concluding on November 12 with India’s impressive 160-run victory against the Netherlands in Bengaluru.
Sean Easey, ICC Manager of Umpires and Referees, expressed satisfaction in announcing the officiating team for the semi-finals, acknowledging their high-performance standard thus far.
In the first semi-final between India and New Zealand at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 15, Australian Rod Tucker and former English cricketer Richard Illingworth will serve as on-field umpires.
Notably, Tucker, officiating his 100th ODI, brings substantial experience since his debut in January 2009. Joel Wilson, Adrian Holdstock, and Andy Pycroft will fulfill the roles of third umpire, fourth umpire, and World Cup semi-final referees respectively.
As tournament favorites India, leading the points table, enter the semi-finals unbeaten, they aim to avenge their 2019 World Cup semi-final loss against Kane Williamson’s team.
Moving on to the second semi-final between Australia and South Africa at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on November 16, Richard Kettleborough, who surpassed the 100-match mark during the event, and Nitin Menon will officiate as on-field umpires.
The World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, November 19, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The event is anticipated to draw over 100,000 fans for the climactic moment of the 13th edition of the tournament.