Match Officials named for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Final

The T20 World Cup 2024 concludes on Saturday with the India-South Africa match. After a month of competition, the two undefeated teams will face off in the final. South Africa, reaching the final for the first time, aims to make this tournament memorable by becoming champions. On the other hand, India looks to end its long title drought. However, before the final, India might be slightly worried about the umpires.

On the day before the final, Friday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the match officials. Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth will serve as the on-field umpires, with Richard Kettleborough as the TV umpire. Richie Richardson will be the match referee.

In ICC tournaments, India’s real challenge in the knockout stages has often been not the opposing team but an umpire—English umpire Kettleborough. So far, Kettleborough has officiated six knockout matches involving India, and unfortunately, India has lost all six. This statistic highlights his unfavorable record for India.

Most recently, Kettleborough was the umpire in the India-Australia final of the last ODI World Cup, where Australia emerged as champions. This time, he will not be an on-field umpire but will serve as the TV umpire. Nonetheless, his involvement in any capacity in India’s matches remains a concern for the fans.

On Saturday at 8:30 PM Bangladesh time, India and South Africa will face off in Barbados. It remains to be seen whether India can overcome the Kettleborough hurdle and secure victory.