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In the highly anticipated ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad, the on-field officiating responsibilities will be shouldered by English umpires Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough. With India and Australia set to engage in a monumental clash, these experienced officials will play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the game on the pitch.
Richard Illingworth joins Kumar Dharmasena as the second individual to participate in a cricket World Cup final both as a player and an umpire. This remarkable achievement underscores Illingworth’s dual role in cricket history, echoing the similar distinction achieved by Dharmasena earlier in his career.
Richard Kettleborough brings with him the experience of officiating in a World Cup final, having previously been a part of the officiating team during the 2015 final where Australia emerged victorious against New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This time, the expectations are even higher, with India aiming to recreate the glory of their 2011 World Cup triumph on home soil.
Both Illingworth and Kettleborough ascended to the ICC International List simultaneously in November 2009, marking a significant milestone in their umpiring careers. Their expertise was evident in the semi-finals of the ongoing tournament, with Illingworth overseeing India’s victory against New Zealand, and Kettleborough handling the thrilling encounter between Australia and South Africa.
The seasoned umpires have been recipients of the prestigious David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC Umpire of the Year. Kettleborough claimed the honor for three consecutive years from 2013 to 2015, while Illingworth joined the ranks of esteemed recipients in 2019 and again in 2022.
As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the final showdown, Illingworth and Kettleborough will be supported by Joel Wilson, serving as the third umpire, and Chris Gaffaney as the fourth umpire. The role of match referee will be undertaken by Andy Pycroft. This experienced team of match officials is poised to oversee a cricketing spectacle between two of the sport’s greatest teams.
It’s worth noting that Kettleborough and Illingworth were the umpires during India’s loss in the World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand in Manchester. Kettleborough also made headlines for a crucial decision during the India vs. Bangladesh match in the same tournament. The presence of these accomplished umpires adds an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming clash between India and Australia in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final.
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