With the excitement for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup just nine days away, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the lineup of experienced umpires and match referees who will be overseeing the action. These 20 officials, hailing from across the cricketing world, will play a crucial role in ensuring fair play and high-quality decision-making throughout the tournament.
The roster boasts 16 umpires, each possessing a wealth of experience. Veteran Roland Black of Ireland, officiating in his third U19 Men’s CWC, will share the field with Bangladesh’s Gazi Sohel, whose international career began in 2012. Former Sri Lankan international Graeme Labrooy, a seasoned figure at this event, will act as Match Referee for the opening clash between hosts South Africa and West Indies.
The tournament promises plenty of intriguing matchups, including a repeat of the 2020 final: defending champions India facing off against Bangladesh. Australia’s Donovan Koch and West Indies’ Nigel Duguid will take charge of this highly anticipated encounter, while Zimbabwe’s Langton Rusere and South Africa’s Allahudien Palekar will ensure smooth proceedings from the sidelines.
The event also marks a significant milestone for two homegrown umpires: Bongani Jele and Allahudien Palekar. Both boasting over a decade of international experience, they will represent the host nation with pride and contribute their expertise to the tournament.
While the selection of umpires has been largely met with approval, some critics have raised concerns about the lack of representation from certain cricketing regions. With only four representatives from Associate nations among the 16 umpires, questions have been raised about the ICC’s commitment to promoting talent from emerging cricketing communities. This debate is sure to simmer throughout the tournament, adding another layer of intrigue to the already-charged atmosphere.
