The ICC has locked in its top umpires and referees for the Under-19 World Cup 2026 semifinals, heightening excitement for the youth spectacle in Zimbabwe. This move underscores the tournament’s commitment to world-class standards.
Semifinal No. 1: February 3, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo—Aus vs Eng. On-field: Zahid Basheer (Eng-NZ) and Virender Sharma (Aus-Jap, Aus-SL). Third: Lubabalo Gcuma. Fourth: Prageeth Rambukwela. Referee: Prakash Bhatt.
Semifinal No. 2: February 4, Harare Sports Club—India vs Afg. On-field: Shaun Hague (Afg-SA, Afg-WI) and Russell Warren (Ind-USA, Ind-Ban). Third: Shaun Craig. Fourth: Masudur Mukul. Referee: Graeme Labrooy.
Spotlighting India: DLS 6-wkt win first up, 18-run DLS vs Ban, 7-wkt DLS vs NZ. Super Six: 204-runs vs Zim, 58-runs vs Pak. A campaign blending smarts and skill.
From group grind to semi showdowns, these officials—proven in tournament heat—will shape legacies. Australia’s pedigree, England’s fightback potential, India’s juggernaut, Afghanistan’s underdog fire: pure cricket poetry awaits.