RateTheRef

1st T20I: Afghanistan vs West Indies (6:30pm local time)
Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS), Dubai

On-Field Umpires: Akbar Ali Khan (United Arab Emirates), Izatullah Safi (Afghanistan)
TV Umpire: Ahmad Shah Pakteen (Afghanistan)
Reserve Umpire: Muhammad Sabir (Afghanistan)
Match Referee: Hamimullah Hamid (Afghanistan)

First appearance for Muhammad Sabir (Afghanistan) on the international circuit, albeit as fourth umpire, with Ahmed Shah Durani currently officiating in the U19 Cricket World Cup.

Yeah, it certainly seems to be that way. I wouldn’t say there are that many outstanding candidates. Like you indicated, Tariq Rasheed seems to be the most likely option, given he was the fourth umpire for the most recent Pakistan tri-series and the ACC Men’s Premier Cup back in 2024. Otherwise, you might look at Abdul Muqeet (three PSL games) or Nasir Hussain (two PSL games), both of whom have also officiated a small number of Women’s Internationals.

Surprisingly, the ICC have updated their ICC Match Official Panels, and Lyndon Hannibal has been replaced by Ravindra Kottahachchi despite the recent rumours or news around Ruchira Palliyaguruge retiring. Lyndon ends with 3 Tests (all as TV umpire), 26 ODIs (21 on-field, 5 TV umpire) and 40 T20Is (24 on-field, 16 TV umpire). He did not officiate an international match last year, with his most recent appointment coming in November 2024 (Sri Lanka vs New Zealand), which in hindsight perhaps signalled his quiet exit from the panel.

Sri Lanka Emirates ICC International Panel Umpires
- Prageeth Rambukwella
- Raveendra Wimalasiri
- Ravindra Kottahachchi
- Ruchira Palliyaguruge