🏏 U19 World Cup 2026 match officials named for Africa showpiece

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Key Takeaways

1📊 17 umpires and four referees named for U19 World Cup
2🏆 Officials from 13 nations to stand in Zimbabwe and Namibia
3💡 Hosts Zimbabwe represented by Mutizwa and Chabi
4🔮 Strong performances could promote officials to senior ICC panels

"The International Cricket Council has confirmed the match officials who will officiate at the U19 Men's Cricket World Cup, to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia."

The ICC has confirmed the full roster of match officials for the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, with umpires and referees from across the globe heading to Zimbabwe and Namibia for the game’s premier junior event.

Global umpiring panel set for African U19 showcase

A panel of 17 umpires and four match referees from the Emirates ICC International Panel will oversee the tournament, which begins on 15 January. For Indian fans tracking the next generation, this is the group that will manage everything from tight DRS calls to over-rate penalties – small details that often decide knockout games at youth level.

Officials from 13 different countries have been appointed, underlining how seriously the ICC treats the pathway tournament that once launched stars like Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson. The hosts are well represented too: former international batter Forster Mutizwa, who turned out for Zimbabwe in all formats, joins compatriot Iknow Chabi on the umpiring list, giving the local crowd familiar faces in the middle.

For India, the focus will naturally be on how the young Team India side responds to pressure, but a strong, neutral officiating group is crucial to ensure the cricket does the talking. With matches split between Zimbabwe and Namibia, handling conditions, logistics and tight schedules will test not just players, but the officials as well – a proper dress rehearsal for those eyeing future senior ICC events.