The official Asia Cup 2025 match officials are yet to be announced. Selections are expected to come from the current ICC elite group. Below is a clear, easy guide to the most likely umpires and referees, drawn from the elite panel and those already appointed to a major 2025 event.
Tournament snapshot
- Dates: 9–28 September 2025
- Format: T20I; 8 teams → two groups → Super Fours → Final
- Venues: Dubai (DICS) and Abu Dhabi (Sharjah isn’t on the venue list)
- Highlight fixture: India vs Pakistan – 14 Sep, Dubai, 8:00 PM IST
- Final: 28 Sep, Dubai
Likely umpire pool (ICC Elite, 2025–26)
These names are on the elite list for the current cycle; several are expected to stand in the Asia Cup.
| Probable Umpires (Elite Panel) | Country |
|---|---|
| Kumar Dharmasena | 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka |
| Chris Gaffaney | 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
| Adrian Holdstock | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
| Richard Illingworth | 🏴 England |
| Richard Kettleborough | 🏴 England |
| Nitin Menon | 🇮🇳 India |
| Allahuddien Paleker | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
| Ahsan Raza | 🇵🇰 Pakistan |
| Paul Reiffel | 🇦🇺 Australia |
| Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid | 🇧🇩 Bangladesh |
| Rodney Tucker | 🇦🇺 Australia |
| Alex Wharf | 🏴 England |
Strong candidates signalled by a major 2025 event
These officials have already been named for a top tournament this year, which makes them very realistic for Asia Cup duties as well.
| Umpires Already Appointed in 2025 | Country | Match Referees | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kumar Dharmasena | 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | David Boon | 🇦🇺 Australia |
| Chris Gaffaney | 🇳🇿 New Zealand | Ranjan Madugalle | 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka |
| Michael Gough | 🏴 England | Andrew Pycroft | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe |
| Adrian Holdstock | 🇿🇦 South Africa | ||
| Richard Illingworth | 🏴 England | ||
| Richard Kettleborough | 🏴 England | ||
| Ahsan Raza | 🇵🇰 Pakistan | ||
| Paul Reiffel | 🇦🇺 Australia | ||
| Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid | 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | ||
| Rodney Tucker | 🇦🇺 Australia | ||
| Alex Wharf | 🏴 England | ||
| Joel Wilson | 🇹🇹 West Indies |
Note: Final Asia Cup assignments (on-field, TV, and fourth umpires for specific matches) will be named closer to the tournament.
Read more: Asia Cup 2025 Commentators
Why these names?
- The event uses neutral, high-experience officials for marquee nights (e.g., India vs Pakistan on 14 Sep).
- The Asia Cup window sits right after other international assignments, so in-form elite umpires who are already active in 2025 are the most practical picks.
Venues & schedule context (for officiating logistics)
| Stage | Venue(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage (9–19 Sep) | Abu Dhabi & Dubai | Night matches; UAE vs India (10 Sep), India vs Pakistan (14 Sep), UAE vs Oman (15 Sep afternoon) |
| Super Fours (20–26 Sep) | Dubai & Abu Dhabi | Five evening fixtures + one in Abu Dhabi |
| Final (28 Sep) | Dubai | Night final |
- Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
- Group B: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong
FAQs
Is the Asia Cup 2025 umpire list official yet?
Not yet. The names above represent the most likely pool based on the current elite panel and this year’s confirmed appointments elsewhere.
Who are the likely match referees in Asia cup 2025?
From 2025 appointments: David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft look strong candidates for Asia Cup supervision.
When will the final list drop?
Typically close to the start date. Expect confirmations ahead of the opening game on 9 September.
The official umpire list for Asia Cup 2025 is yet to be announced, but top ICC Elite Panel names like Kumar Dharmasena, Richard Kettleborough, Chris Gaffaney, and Nitin Menon are strong contenders. Expect experienced referees such as David Boon and Ranjan Madugalle to supervise key matches, including the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash on September 14 in Dubai.
