Both England’s Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough have been chosen as on-field umpires for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia in Ahmedabad.
During the crucial World Cup match, the English duo will be in charge of the on-field duties.
This will be Kettleborough’s second appearance, having previously appeared in the final of the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Kumar Dharmasena was his companion on that occasion.
That game drew around 93,000 spectators. However, that figure is likely to be surpassed as a three-figure throng is expected on Sunday as the host nation looks to repeat their 2011 victory and win the World Cup on home soil.
This will be Illingworth’s second World Cup final appearance, however his first as a match official. As a player, he appeared in the 1992 Cricket World Cup final.
On the same day in November 2009, Illingworth and Kettleborough were both promoted to the ICC International List. During this week’s semi-finals, both served as on-field umpires. Illingworth managed India’s triumph over New Zealand in Mumbai, while Kettleborough oversaw Australia’s exciting victory over South Africa in Kolkata.
Both umpires have had illustrious careers. They both received the David Shepherd Trophy, which is given to the ICC’s Umpire of the Year. Kettleborough won it three years in a row, from 2013 to 2015. It was won by Illingworth in 2019 and 2022.
Joel Wilson, the third umpire, Chris Gaffaney, the fourth umpire, and match referee Andy Pycroft are among the other officials for the crucial final on Sunday. They were all also members of officiating teams in the semi finals.
