Champions Trophy: Gaffaney and Illingworth Appointed as Umpires for India-Australia Semifinal

Synopsis

The ICC has appointed Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth as on-field umpires for the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal between India and Australia in Dubai. Michael Gough will be the third umpire, and Andy Pycroft will serve as the match referee for this crucial match.

Key Takeaways

Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth to umpire semifinal.
Michael Gough serves as the third umpire.
Andy Pycroft is the match referee.
India has won three consecutive matches.
Australia has only one win, with two matches abandoned.

Dubai, March 3 (NationPress) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that Chris Gaffaney from New Zealand and Richard Illingworth from England will officiate as on-field umpires for the inaugural 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal featuring India and Australia in Dubai. For the match on Tuesday at the Dubai International Stadium, Michael Gough will take on the role of third umpire, while Andy Pycroft will fulfill the duties of match referee.

Illingworth remains in Dubai after previously officiating in India’s Group A match against New Zealand on Sunday. In contrast, Gaffaney was scheduled to umpire Australia’s encounter with South Africa in Group B, which was called off due to rain in Rawalpindi.

In the second semifinal taking place in Lahore, Kumar Dharmasena from Sri Lanka and Paul Reiffel from Australia will serve as on-field umpires for the match between South Africa and New Zealand. Joel Wilson will act as the third umpire, while Ranjan Madugalle will oversee the match as referee. Dharmasena was the on-field umpire during New Zealand’s victory over Bangladesh in Group A, and Reiffel officiated during India’s win against Pakistan in Dubai.

The semifinal clash between India and Australia in Dubai is a rematch of the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup final, with the victor earning a spot in the Champions Trophy final scheduled for March 9. Australia has managed just one victory out of three group matches, with two matches abandoned due to rain, while India enters the match with three consecutive group stage wins.

India has demonstrated excellence in all facets of the game, while Australia, despite lacking several key players, showcased resilience by successfully chasing a record total of 352 against England in Lahore.

Both India and Australia are the most successful teams in Champions Trophy history, each having won the title twice. If Australia wins, the final will take place in Lahore, whereas an Indian win will mean the title match is hosted in Dubai.