8 months ago
India's Virender Sharma, Prakash Bhatt named officials for U19 Cricket World Cup
India's Virender Sharma and Prakash Bhatt have been chosen as officials for the upcoming ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
This tournament will be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026.
A total of 16 teams will compete in 41 matches across five venues.
The final will take place at the Harare Sports Club.
On the opening day, India will play the United States, Zimbabwe will face Scotland, and Tanzania will make their debut against the West Indies.
The officiating team includes experienced figures like Deighton Butler from the West Indies and Graham Lloyd from England.
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta hopes this tournament will help rising officials progress in their careers.
Virender Sharma and Prakash Bhatt from India are among the 21 match officials for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The tournament will be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026.
A total of 16 teams will compete in 41 matches across five venues.
The final match is scheduled for February 6 at the Harare Sports Club.
On the opening day, India will play the United States, Zimbabwe will face Scotland, and Tanzania will make their debut against the West Indies.
- Who
- Virender Sharma and Prakash Bhatt from India, along with other international officials
- What
- Named as match officials for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup
- Where
- Zimbabwe and Namibia
- When
- Tournament runs from January 15 to February 6, 2026
- Why
- To officiate matches and ensure fair play in the tournament
Key facts
- Tournament
- ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup
- Dates
- January 15 to February 6, 2026
- Host Countries
- Zimbabwe and Namibia
- Number of Teams
- 16
- Number of Matches
- 41
- Final Venue
- Harare Sports Club
- Indian Officials
- Virender Sharma (Umpire), Prakash Bhatt (Referee)
- Opening Matches
- India vs USA, Zimbabwe vs Scotland, Tanzania vs West Indies
Quotes
Sanjog Gupta
ICC CEO
“This ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is a tremendous opportunity for rising stars in the game to shine, but it is also an invaluable reward system for up-and-coming match officials.”
assamtribune.com
“We hope that this will be the perfect springboard for their careers as we see them progress in their officiating journeys.”
assamtribune.com
ICC
International Cricket Council
“A total of 17 umpires and four match referees from the ICC International Panels of Umpires and Referees have been appointed for the upcoming ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup, with officials representing 13 different nationalities for the tournament kicking off on January 15.”
assamtribune.com
Sources
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