The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is almost here and the match officials for the highly anticipated showdown between India and New Zealand have been confirmed. With experienced umpires and a veteran match referee in charge, the final on March 9 at the Dubai International Stadium promises to be a thrilling contest.
Seasoned Officials to Take Charge
The ICC has assembled a top-tier team of officials to oversee the final:
- On-field Umpires: Paul Reiffel (Australia) & Richard Illingworth (England)
- Third Umpire (TV Umpire): Joel Wilson (West Indies)
- Fourth Umpire: Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka)
- Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)
Richard Illingworth, a four-time ICC Umpire of the Year, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having officiated in the 2023 ODI World Cup final and the T20 World Cup 2024 final. Meanwhile, Paul Reiffel, a former Australian cricketer turned elite umpire, handled New Zealand’s dominant semi-final win over South Africa. With both officials familiar with high-pressure encounters, the final is set to be conducted with precision and fairness.
India vs New Zealand – Who Will Lift the Trophy?
India enters the final unbeaten, carrying strong momentum after overcoming Australia in the semi-finals. Their previous group-stage win over New Zealand by 44 runs adds to their confidence, with key performances from Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy boosting their title hopes.
However, New Zealand is peaking at the right time. Led by Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, their commanding 50-run win over South Africa in the semi-finals showcased their batting firepower and all-round depth. With the stakes at an all-time high, they will be determined to avenge their earlier defeat and lift the coveted trophy.
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