By webdesk 
The countdown to the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 is well and truly underway, and cricket’s governing body has now confirmed the Emirates Elite Panel of Match Officials for the marquee event. Scheduled from June 11 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, the final will feature South Africa locking horns with Australia in what promises to be a gripping five-day contest.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed an officiating team brimming with top-tier experience, with Chris Gaffaney of New Zealand and Richard Illingworth of England named as on-field umpires.
Illingworth, in particular, continues to make history. This will be his third consecutive World Test Championship Final as an on-field umpire, having previously stood in the 2021 and 2023 editions. Recognized globally for his consistency and sharp judgment, Illingworth was recently crowned the ICC Umpire of the Year 2024, taking home the David Shepherd Trophy for the fourth time.
Joining him on the field will be Gaffaney, another well-respected figure in world cricket. The New Zealander made his Test umpiring debut in 2014 and has gone on to officiate in major ICC tournaments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final. His calm demeanor and sharp eye make him an ideal choice for this high-stakes encounter.
TV Umpire duties for the final will be handled by Richard Kettleborough, who brings immense experience to the role. A former Test umpire since 2010, Kettleborough has stood in finals of marquee ICC events like the Men’s Cricket World Cup and Champions Trophy. This will be his second WTC Final appearance, having served as the TV umpire in the 2021 clash between New Zealand and India.
Making his WTC Final debut is Nitin Menon, who will serve as the Fourth Umpire. A prominent name in the current generation of Indian umpires, Menon has been officiating at Test level since 2019. He also became the youngest umpire to officiate in an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, having been a key part of the 2023 edition. Notably, he served as the TV umpire for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final 2021.
Match Referee duties will be handled by former Indian pacer Javagal Srinath, who continues his stellar second innings in cricket as a respected official. Srinath’s authoritative presence and deep understanding of the game make him an indispensable part of ICC’s elite officiating team.
Speaking on the announcement, ICC Chairman Jay Shah praised the officiating panel’s quality and experience:
“We are pleased to announce an experienced team of match officials for the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, marking the culmination of a highly competitive two-year cycle of Test matches played around the world.
We strive to select the most qualified and deserving officials for all matches, and we are confident they will perform admirably. On behalf of the ICC, I wish them all the best and hope they enjoy this assignment.”
This fixture at Lord’s represents more than just a cricket match — it’s the final act of a two-year battle among the world’s best Test sides. For Australia, it’s a shot at defending their crown after their 2023 victory over India. For South Africa, it’s an opportunity to etch their name in Test history.
As the cricketing world prepares for this epic clash, the announcement of this distinguished panel of match officials ensures that the game will be played with the highest standards of fairness and professionalism.
Zainab Shafiq