ICC reveals match officials for India vs Australia World Cup final showdown. In a riveting lead-up to the World Cup 2023 showdown between cricket powerhouses Australia and host nation India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the esteemed panel of match officials slated to oversee the pivotal clash scheduled for Sunday, November 19, at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
Australia, five-time champions of the One Day International (ODI) World Cup, are vying for an unprecedented sixth title, while India, two-time winners with their last triumph in 2013, seeks to clinch the ICC trophy on home turf, adding to the anticipation of the match that is expected to draw a colossal crowd of over 100,000 spectators.
Taking center stage as the on-field umpires for this high-stakes encounter are England’s Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough.
For Kettleborough, this marks his second appearance in an ODI World Cup final, having previously officiated in the 2015 Cricket World Cup final alongside Sri Lanka’s Kumar Dharmasena.
Illingworth, on the other hand, is making his debut as a match official in a World Cup final but had previously played in the 1992 Cricket World Cup final.
Both Illingworth and Kettleborough, elevated to the ICC International List on the same day in November 2009, have distinguished themselves with illustrious careers.
Recently, they served as on-field umpires during the semi-finals, with Illingworth overseeing India’s triumph over New Zealand in Mumbai, and Kettleborough presiding over Australia’s thrilling victory against South Africa in Kolkata.
Notably, both umpires have been recipients of the prestigious David Shepherd Trophy, awarded to the ICC’s Umpire of the Year.
Kettleborough secured this accolade three consecutive times between 2013 and 2015, while Illingworth earned the honor in 2019 and 2022.
Joining them as key officials for this crucial final are Joel Wilson as the third umpire, Chris Gaffaney as the fourth umpire, and match referee Andy Pycroft. These officials also played pivotal roles in overseeing the semi-finals.
With expectations of surpassing the attendance record set during the 2015 World Cup final, which drew over 93,000 spectators, the Ahmedabad venue, with a capacity of 132,000, is set to witness a historic clash between two cricketing giants.
As ICC reveals match officials for India vs Australia World Cup final showdown, the stage is set for a thrilling spectacle, and cricket enthusiasts around the globe are eagerly awaiting the crowning moment of the 2023 ICC World Cup.
