The World Cup 2023 semifinals, which are set for November 15 and 16, have match officials, according to a Monday announcement from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Following the conclusion of the group round on Sunday, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa—five-time winners of the One-Day International (ODI) World Cup—and the hosts, India, have advanced to the knockout stage.
Who will officiate World Cup semi-finals?
The sports authority reports that former English cricketer Richard Illingworth and Australian Rod Tucker would serve as on-field umpires for the first semi-final. It is set to take place on Wednesday, November 15, at Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium. In the opening semi-final, Tucker, who officiated his first ODI match in January 2009, will make his 100th ODI appearance.
“So, we are happy to announce the match officials for the semi-finals of the World Cup. Thus, the officiating team has performed to a high standard to this point of the event,” ICC Manager of Umpires and Referees Sean Easey said.
The contest’s third, fourth, and match referees will be Joel Wilson, Adrian Holdstock, and Andy Pycroft, in that order. The tournament favourite, India, who led the points table, advanced to the semifinals after going undefeated in the group round. They will face the Kiwis. So, rated number four on the points system and are the 2019 World Cup finalists.
Thus, the on-field umpires for the second semi-final between Australia and South Africa, set to take place at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on November 16, will be Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon. Kettleborough also broke the 100-match barrier during the competition. Australia and South Africa, who have both advanced to the knockout stage, will face off in the second semifinal, hoping to advance to the championship game.
