Pakistan Champions T20 Cup Umpires & Referees

The Champions Cup Umpires & Referees have a huge responsibility in ensuring fair play throughout the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently revealed the names of the match officials for the highly anticipated Champions T20 Cup, set to begin on 07 December 2024.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the esteemed panel of match officials for the upcoming Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024, slated to take place from 7th to 25th December at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. This announcement marks a significant milestone in ensuring the tournament’s integrity and the seamless conduct of its 22 thrilling matches. A total of 13 umpires and 6 match referees have been selected to officiate, bringing a blend of experience and expertise to the tournament.

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Comprehensive Overview of the Match Officials

The selection of umpires and match referees is a critical aspect of any cricket tournament, ensuring that the games are played fairly and within the rules. The Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024 boasts a diverse and highly qualified group of officials from both the PCB Elite Panel and the ICC International Panel. This diverse panel underscores PCB’s commitment to maintaining high standards of officiating throughout the tournament.

PCB Elite Panel Umpires

The PCB Elite Panel is renowned for its pool of highly skilled umpires who have consistently delivered top-notch officiating in domestic and international matches. For the opening match between Nurpur Lions and UMT Markhors on 7th December, the tournament will be graced by:

Imran Jawed and Zulfiqar Jan as the on-field umpires.
Qaisar Waheed serving as the third umpire.
Rana Muhammad Arshad acting as the fourth umpire.
Nadeem Arshad from the PCB Elite Panel of Match Referees will lead the playing control team.

ICC International Panel of Umpires

Bringing international experience to the tournament, members of the ICC International Panel of Umpires will officiate some of the most high-stakes matches, including the grand finale. Notably:

Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz Waqar will serve as the on-field umpires for the Final on 25th December.
Faisal Khan Aafreedi will take on the role of the third umpire, ensuring all decisions are accurate and fair.
Zulfiqar Jan will oversee fourth umpiring duties.
Ali Naqvi from the International Panel of ICC Match Referees will lead the playing control team for the final.

Additional Umpires and Match Referees

The tournament will also feature a strong contingent of additional umpires and match referees from both the PCB and ICC panels, including:

Ahmed Shahab
Imranullah Aslam
Imtiaz Iqbal
Kashif Sohail
Khalid Mehmood Sr
Muhammad Sajid

Among the six match referees, the PCB Elite Panel will be represented by Iftikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Iqbal Sheikh, Nadeem Arshad, and Sohail Idrees, while the ICC International Panel will contribute Ali Naqvi and Muhammad Javed Malik.

Detailed Assignments for Each Match

The meticulous assignment of umpires and match referees ensures that each game is officiated with the highest level of professionalism and impartiality. Below is a detailed schedule of officiating teams for selected matches:

Opening Day – 7th December 2024

7 Dec – Nurpur Lions v UMT Markhors. Imran Jawed and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field umpires); Qaiser Waheed (third umpire), Rana Muhammad Arshad (fourth umpire); Nadeem Arshad (match referee)
7 Dec – ABL Stallions v Lake City Panthers. Ahmed Shahab and Khalid Mehmmod Sr (on-field umpires), Imran Jawed (third umpire), Zulfiqar Jan (fourth umpire); Sohail Idrees (match referee)
8 Dec – Lake City Panthers v Engro Dolphins. Zulfiqar Jan and Ahmed Shahab (on-field umpires); Imran Jawed (third umpire), Khalid Mehmood Sr (fourth umpire); Sohail Idrees (match referee)
9 Dec – ABL Stallions v Nurpur Lions. Zulfiqar Jan and Khalid Mehmood Sr (on-field umpires); Qaiser Waheed (third umpire), Rana Muhammad Arshad (fourth umpire); Nadeem Arshad (match referee)
10 Dec – Engro Dolphins v UMT Markhors. Imran Jawed and Rana Muhammad Arshad (on-field umpires); Qaiser Waheed (third umpire), Khalid Mehmood Sr (fourth umpire); Nadeem Arshad (match referee)
11 Dec – Nurpur Lions v Lake City Panthers. Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Zulfiqar Jan ((on-field umpires); Imran Jawed (third umpire), Khalid Mehmood Sr (fourth umpire); Nadeem Arshad (match referee)
12 Dec – ABL Stallions v UMT Markhors. Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Khalid Mehmood Sr (on-field umpires); Imran Jawed (third umpire), Qaiser Waheed (fourth umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)
12 Dec – Engro Dolphins v Nurpur Lions. Ahmed Shahab and Rana Muhammad Arshad (on-field umpires); Imtiaz Iqbal (third umpire), Imran Jawed (fourth umpire); Muhammad Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)
13 Dec – ABL Stallions v Engro Dolphins. Ahmed Shahab and Khalid Mehmood Sr (on-field umpires); Imtiaz Iqbal (third umpire), Rana Muhammad Arshad (fourth umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)
13 Dec – Lake City Panthers v UMT Markhors. Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Muhammad Sajid (on-field umpires); Qaiser Waheed (third umpire), Imtiaz Iqbal (fourth umpire); Muhammad Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)
15 Dec – ABL Stallions v Lake City Panthers. Muhammad Sajid and Ahmed Shahab (on-field umpires); Imtiaz Iqbal (third umpire), Qaiser Waheed (fourth umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)
15 Dec – Nurpur Lions v UMT Markhors. Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Rana Muhammad Arshad (on-field umpires); Qaiser Waheed (third umpire), Imranullah Aslam (fourth umpire); Muhammad Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)
16 Dec – Lake City Panthers v Engro Dolphins. Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Ahmed Shahab (on-field umpires); Imtiaz Iqbal (third umpire), Imranullah Aslam (fourth umpire); Muhammad Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)
17 Dec – ABL Stallions v Nurpur Lions. Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Imranullah Aslam (on-field umpires); Imtiaz Iqbal (third umpire), Muhammad Sajid (fourth umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)
18 Dec – Engro Dolphins v UMT Markhors. Muhammad Sajid and Ahmed Shahab (on-field umpires); Kashif Sohail (third umpire), Imranullah Aslam (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)
19 Dec – Nurpur Lions v Lake City Panthers. Asif Yaqoob and Imranullah Aslam (on-field umpires); Kashif Sohail (third umpire), Muhammad Sajid (fourth umpire); Muhammad Javed Malik (match referee)
20 Dec – ABL Stallions v UMT Markhors. Asif Yaqoob and Rana Muhammad Arshad (on-field umpires); Kashif Sohail (third umpire), Zulfiqar Jan (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)
20 Dec – Engro Dolphins v Nurpur Lions. Muhammad Sajid and Imranullah Aslam (on-field umpires); Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Kashif Sohail (fourth umpire); Muhammad Javed Malik (match referee)
21 Dec – Lake City Panthers v UMT Markhors. Asif Yaqoob and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field umpires); Kashif Sohail (third umpire), Muhammad Sajid (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)
21 Dec – ABL Stallions v Engro Dolphins. Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Imranullah Aslam (on-field umpires); Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Kashif Sohail (fourth umpire); Muhammad Javed Malik (match referee)
23 Dec – Qualifier. Asif Yaqoob and Faisal Khan Aafreedi (on-field umpires); Rashid Riaz Waqar (third umpire), Zulfiqar Jan (fourth umpire); Muhammad Javed Malik (match referee)
25 Dec – Final. Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz Waqar (on-field umpires); Faisal Khan Aafreedi (third umpire), Zulfiqar Jan (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

Key Mid-Tournament Matches

Qualifier – 23rd December 2024
- On-Field Umpires: Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Khan Aafreedi
- Third Umpire: Rashid Riaz Waqar
- Fourth Umpire: Zulfiqar Jan
- Match Referee: Muhammad Javed Malik
Final – 25th December 2024
- On-Field Umpires: Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz Waqar
- Third Umpire: Faisal Khan Aafreedi
- Fourth Umpire: Zulfiqar Jan
- Match Referee: Ali Naqvi

Highlighting the Star Officials

Imran Jawed

A stalwart in Pakistani cricket officiating, Imran Jawed has a wealth of experience in both domestic and international matches. His expertise ensures that every decision on the field is accurate and fair, making him a pivotal figure in the opening matches of the tournament.

Asif Yaqoob

Representing the ICC International Panel, Asif Yaqoob brings international standards to the tournament. His role in officiating the final underscores his proficiency and the trust placed in him by the PCB.

Nadeem Arshad

Leading the PCB Elite Panel of Match Referees, Nadeem Arshad will oversee the playing control team for multiple matches, ensuring that the spirit of the game is upheld and any on-field issues are promptly addressed.

The Importance of a Diverse and Experienced Panel

The selection of umpires and match referees from both the PCB Elite and ICC International Panels highlights the PCB’s commitment to excellence. This diversity ensures that the tournament benefits from a wide range of experiences and perspectives, which is crucial for handling the high-pressure scenarios typical of T20 cricket.

Ensuring Fair Play and Integrity

Match officials play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the game. Their responsibilities include making impartial decisions on dismissals, ensuring that the rules are strictly followed, and managing the flow of the game to prevent any disruptions. The presence of seasoned officials like Ali Naqvi and Muhammad Javed Malik from the ICC International Panel reinforces the tournament’s dedication to fair play and high standards.

Conclusion

The announcement of the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024 panel of umpires and match referees by the Pakistan Cricket Board underscores the tournament’s commitment to delivering a fair, exciting, and professionally officiated competition. With a blend of PCB Elite and ICC International officials, fans can expect a high-quality cricketing spectacle that upholds the true spirit of the game. As the tournament approaches, the cricketing community eagerly anticipates the electrifying matches and the impeccable officiating that will define this prestigious event.