Table of Contents
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the panel of match officials for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, where South Africa will face defending champions Australia at Lord’s, London, from June 11 to 15.
The announcement comes as both teams prepare for what is being billed as the “Ultimate Test” to decide the world’s best Test side after a fiercely contested two-year cycle.
Experienced umpires to officiate the World Test Championship Final 2025
The ICC has appointed New Zealand’s Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth of England as the on-field umpires for the summit clash. Illingworth, currently the ICC Umpire of the Year, will be standing in his third consecutive WTC Final, having also officiated the 2021 and 2023 editions. His partner, Gaffaney, brings further continuity and experience, having umpired in both the 2023 WTC Final and last year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final alongside Illingworth.
Richard Kettleborough, a veteran of multiple ICC finals including the Men’s Cricket World Cup and Champions Trophy, has been named as the TV (third) umpire. Kettleborough reprises his role from the 2021 WTC Final between India and New Zealand. India’s Nitin Menon, making his debut as a fourth umpire in a WTC Final, rounds out the on-field officiating team. Menon previously served as TV umpire in the 2021 T20 World Cup Final.
Also READ: Australia unveil full-strength squad for WTC 2025 final against South Africa
ICC names Javagal Srinath as match referee for WTC Final 2025
Former Indian fast bowler Javagal Srinath, a seasoned ICC match referee, has been appointed to oversee proceedings. Srinath has regularly officiated in major ICC events and brings a wealth of experience to the high-stakes encounter.
The grand finale at Lord’s is set to be a fitting conclusion to a competitive WTC 2023-25 cycle, with the world’s top two teams vying for the prestigious Test mace and a winner’s prize of USD $3.6 million.
Also READ: South Africa announces 15-man squad for the WTC 2025 final against Australia
