Illingworth, Wharf named umpires for IND vs NZ final:Ricky Martin, Falguni Pathak and Sukhbir to perform at closing ceremony

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on 6 March, announced the on-field umpires who will officiate in the India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final. The final will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 8 March. India, a day ago, edging past England by seven runs to enter the T20 World Cup final for a second consecutive time. New Zealand on the other hand, had outclassed South Africa comprehensively in the first semifinal to make it to the summit clash. Richard Illingworth, Alex Wharf named on-field umpires for final Alex Wharf and Richard Illingworth will be the on-field umpires in the T20 World Cup 2026 final. For Illingworth, it will be a second consecutive T20 World Cup final after having performed the same role two years ago in Barbados when India had beaten South Africa for a second title. The Illingworth, Wharf pair also officiated in the first semifinal of this edition’s T20 World Cup, which saw New Zealand overcome South Africa. Illingworth has a lot of previous experience in officiating in ICC finals, having stood as the on-field umpire in the 2025 Champions Trophy and 2023 ODI World Cup summit clashes. South Africa’s Allahuddien Paleker will be the third umpire, while Adrian Holdstock will act as the fourth umpire for the match. Ricky Martin to perform at closing ceremony International pop superstar Ricky Martin will perform at the T20 World Cup closing ceremony. Sukhbir and Falguni Pathak will also perform at the event. The ceremony will start at 5:30 PM. ICC wrote in an X post: ‘The stage keeps getting bigger! Joining Global Superstar Ricky Martin at the Closing Ceremony before the Final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 are music icons Sukhbir Falguni Pathak! Get ready for a Big Bang of global hits and desi anthems as these legendary artists light up the biggest night in cricket.” Martin also does TV and live stage shows Ricky Martin is known for hit songs like ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’ and ‘The Cup of Life’. Along with singing, Ricky Martin also does TV and live stage shows. He worked in the TV show ‘General Hospital’ in 199495. Rishabh, Nora, Badshah performed at the opening ceremony
The T20 World Cup began with the match between Pakistan and Netherlands. Before this match, the tournament’s opening ceremony was organized. India played its first match against USA on March 7. Before this match, sitar player Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma captivated the audience. Together with Sivamani, he kicked off the opening ceremony. Both showcased a captivating jugalbandi (duet) on tabla and sitar. Bollywood actress Nora Fatehi showcased her dance moves at the opening ceremony. She danced to her song ‘Paayal’. Bollywood singer and rapper Badshah also performed at the opening ceremony. Nora also danced to Badshah’s songs. Team India changed hotel in Ahmedabad A member associated with the Indian team is visiting religious sites in every city where the team is playing to seek blessings. In this sequence, the team’s hotel has also been changed in Ahmedabad. In the last two major matches, the team faced defeat while staying at the previous hotel in the same city. The 2023 ODI World Cup final and this year’s Super-8 match against South Africa. Thus, the team management does not want to leave any stone unturned this time. The final could be on a red soil pitch It has not yet been decided what kind of pitch will be used in the final. Red soil, black soil, and mixed pitches are available at the Narendra Modi Stadium. After the loss against South Africa on a black soil pitch about two weeks ago, the team management might opt to play on a red soil pitch. Inspection regarding the final pitch is still ongoing at the stadium. Special Train for Fans Considering the huge crowd of fans expected to arrive in Ahmedabad to watch the final, Western Railway has decided to run a special train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Amidst rising airfares, this train will provide fans with an affordable and convenient travel option.