The road to the summit of age-group cricket has reached its penultimate stage as the International Cricket Council (ICC) officially confirmed the match officials for the high-stakes semi-finals of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026. With four of the world’s most promising youth teams remaining in the hunt for the prestigious silverware, the Emirates ICC International Panels of Umpires and Referees have been carefully selected to oversee these crucial fixtures in Zimbabwe.
The tournament has been a masterclass in emerging talent, and as the pressure intensifies, the ICC has relied on a blend of experienced veterans and rising stars from its international panel to ensure the highest standards of officiating. These appointments come at a time when the margin for error is non-existent, and the eyes of the cricketing world are fixed on Bulawayo and Harare.
Semi-final fixtures: The unbeaten titans and the Asian giants
The first semi-final, scheduled for February 3, 2026, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, features a heavyweight clash between Australia and England. Both sides have maintained a flawless record throughout the competition, making this an unofficial “final before the final.” Australia, led by the consistent Nitesh Samuel and captain Oliver Peake, has displayed clinical efficiency. England, meanwhile, has been powered by the prolific Ben Mayes, whose batting exploits have made them the team to beat.
The action then shifts to the Harare Sports Club on February 4, 2026, for an intriguing all-Asian encounter between defending champions India and a resilient Afghanistan. India secured their spot after a hard-fought victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, maintaining their unbeaten streak under the leadership of Ayush Mhatre. Afghanistan, having overcome challenges from South Africa and the West Indies earlier in the tourney, enter the knockouts as a formidable force capable of upsetting any established order.
ICC official panel: Umpires and match referees confirmed
To maintain the integrity of these high-octane matches, the ICC has deployed a robust officiating team. For the Australia-England clash in Bulawayo, Zahid Bassarath and Virender Sharma will serve as the on-field umpires. Bassarath is fresh off officiating England’s decisive win over New Zealand, while Virender has supervised Australia’s dominant performances against Sri Lanka and Japan. Lubabalo Gcuma will act as the Third Umpire, with Prageeth Rambukwella as the Fourth Umpire and Prakash Bhatt overseeing the match as the Referee.
In the second semi-final between India and Afghanistan, the on-field responsibilities fall to Shaun Haig and Russell Warren. Haig has been a constant presence in Afghanistan’s successful group stage run, while Warren was at the helm during India’s victories over the USA and Bangladesh. The officiating team is rounded out by Shawn Craig (Third Umpire), Masudur Mukul (Fourth Umpire), and the seasoned Graeme La Brooy as the Match Referee.
Complete list of umpires and match refrees
Semi-Final 1: Australia v England
- On-field Umpires: Zahid Bassarath & Virender Sharma
- Third Umpire: Lubabalo Gcuma
- Fourth Umpire: Prageeth Rambukwella
- Match Referee: Prakash Bhatt
Semi-Final 2: India v Afghanistan
- On-field Umpires: Shaun Haig & Russell Warren
- Third Umpire: Shawn Craig
- Fourth Umpire: Masudur Mukul
- Match Referee: Graeme La Brooy
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