ICC Announces Match Officials For The Final Of The Champions Trophy 2025

The grand finale of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is upon us, and the stage could not be more perfectly set. India and New Zealand, two cricketing giants with contrasting styles, will battle it out for the prestigious trophy under the dazzling lights of Dubai International Stadium. As the world awaits this epic clash, both teams have shown resilience, strategy, and unwavering determination throughout the tournament.

While India enters the final as the undefeated side and tournament favorite, New Zealand carries the reputation of punching above their weight in ICC events. With high stakes, a high-pressure environment, and some of the world’s best players on display, the Champions Trophy 2025 final promises an unforgettable night of cricket.

ICC Announces Match Officials for the Grand Finale

To ensure a fair and smooth contest, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed an experienced panel of match officials. Paul Reiffel (Australia) and Richard Illingworth (England) will serve as the on-field umpires, bringing their wealth of international umpiring experience to the final.

Reiffel, a former Australian fast bowler with over 200 wickets in international cricket, was also part of the officiating team for South Africa’s semifinal clash against New Zealand in Lahore. Meanwhile, Illingworth, a former England left-arm spinner and a four-time recipient of the ICC Umpire of the Year award, officiated in India’s semifinal against Australia in Dubai.

Full List of Match Officials for the Champions Trophy 2025 Final:

On-field Umpires: Paul Reiffel & Richard Illingworth
Third Umpire: Joel Wilson (West Indies)
Fourth Umpire: Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka)
Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)

Madugalle, a veteran match referee, brings decades of experience in handling high-profile ICC finals. With such a distinguished officiating team, the match is set to be a thrilling and well-regulated encounter.

India’s Journey to the Final: Unstoppable Dominance

India’s campaign in Champions Trophy 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the team has exhibited dominance, resilience, and adaptability to different conditions. Their batting unit, led by stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer, has consistently put up impressive performances, while the bowling attack, featuring Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, and Ravindra Jadeja, has been ruthless.

Group Stage Performance:

India topped the group stage with an unbeaten record, brushing aside every opponent with commanding performances. Their comprehensive victory over New Zealand in the group stage further solidified their credentials as the team to beat.

Semifinal Showdown vs Australia:

Facing their familiar rivals Australia in the semifinal, India had to chase down a competitive target of 264. Despite early hiccups, Virat Kohli’s masterclass (89 off 96 balls) and Shreyas Iyer’s counterattack helped India secure a four-wicket victory, booking their place in the final.

Key Players for India in the Final:

Virat Kohli: The batting maestro has been in sublime form, anchoring chases and delivering under pressure. His experience in ICC finals makes him the key batter for India.
Shubman Gill: The stylish opener has provided solid starts, setting the foundation for big totals. His ability to handle both pace and spin will be crucial in Dubai.
Mohammed Shami: The pace spearhead has been lethal, troubling batsmen with swing and seam movement. If he finds rhythm early, New Zealand’s top order will have a tough challenge.
Varun Chakravarthy: The mystery spinner has been a revelation, breaking crucial partnerships and keeping the run flow in check. His ability to deceive batsmen with variations will be vital.

New Zealand’s Road to the Final: Resilient and Strategic

New Zealand, the dark horse of ICC tournaments, has once again proven why they are a force to be reckoned with. Under Mitchell Santner’s calm yet aggressive captaincy, the Black Caps have found different heroes in every match.

Group Stage Performance:

Despite an early loss to India, New Zealand fought back with clinical performances to advance to the semifinals. Their balanced squad, featuring a mix of experienced players like Kane Williamson and rising stars like Rachin Ravindra, has been impressive.

Semifinal Triumph vs South Africa:

In a high-pressure semifinal against South Africa, New Zealand put on a commanding show. Kane Williamson’s classy century and Rachin Ravindra’s aggressive stroke play helped set up a match-winning total. The bowling unit, led by Matt Henry and Santner, then dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup to seal a 50-run victory.

Key Players for New Zealand in the Final:

Kane Williamson: The New Zealand skipper is a master of pressure situations. His ability to control the innings and rotate the strike will be key.
Rachin Ravindra: The young all-rounder has been one of the standout performers of the tournament. His ability to counter India’s spinners could be a game-changer.
Matt Henry: New Zealand’s pace spearhead has been in terrific form, troubling batsmen with swing and seam movement. His spell with the new ball will be crucial.
Glenn Phillips: A game-changer in the middle order, Phillips can accelerate at any stage of the innings and is also handy with the ball.

Tactical Battle: Spin vs Pace in Dubai

The Dubai International Stadium pitch is expected to be on the slower side, favoring spinners as the game progresses. The final will likely be a tactical chess match between India’s spin attack and New Zealand’s seam bowling strength.

India’s Spin Arsenal: With Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja, India has the ability to choke the run flow in the middle overs and induce mistakes from New Zealand’s batters.
New Zealand’s Pace Battery: Matt Henry and Trent Boult will look to exploit the early swing and trouble India’s top order. If they can strike early, New Zealand could gain a significant advantage.

Head-to-Head and ICC Tournament History

The India-New Zealand rivalry in ICC tournaments has produced some memorable encounters:

2019 World Cup Semi-Final: New Zealand stunned India, defending a modest total in a thrilling match.
2021 World Test Championship Final: The Black Caps clinched the inaugural WTC title, proving their dominance in Test cricket.
2025 Champions Trophy Group Stage: India defeated New Zealand convincingly, but the final will be a different challenge altogether.

Prediction and Expectations for the Final

With both teams boasting world-class players and proven match-winners, the final promises to be a thriller. India enters as favorites, but New Zealand has a history of rising to the occasion in ICC finals.

If India wins the toss and bats first, they will look to post a massive total and put pressure on New Zealand’s batting lineup.
If New Zealand bowls first, they will aim for early breakthroughs to push India onto the back foot.

Expect high drama, intense battles, and unforgettable moments as India and New Zealand fight for cricketing glory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final!