The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is set to begin on February 19, 2025, but Indian referee Javagal Srinath and umpire Nitin Menon have reportedly decided not to travel to Pakistan. While Srinath cited the need for leave, Menon opted out due to personal reasons. Their absence adds to the ongoing discussions about India’s participation in the tournament and the hybrid model devised due to security concerns.
India’s Matches and the Hybrid Model
India’s matches in the Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in the UAE, while the rest of the tournament will take place in Pakistan. This decision stemmed from security concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The tournament will kick off with a Pakistan vs. New Zealand match in Lahore, while India’s first match will be against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.
Why Srinath and Menon Will Not Officiate?
Srinath, an experienced match referee, revealed that he had been away from home for extended periods in November, December, and January. He, therefore, opted to take time off instead of officiating in the Champions Trophy 2025.
“Yes, I had asked for leave as I had quite a few days away from home in the month of November, December, and January,” Srinath said in a statement to the media.
Nitin Menon’s Decision: Personal Reasons
Menon, the only Indian in the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, opted out of the tournament, citing personal reasons. Since ICC rules mandate neutral umpires, he would not have been eligible to officiate in India’s matches in Dubai. This automatically ruled him out of the event.
“Menon has refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy citing ‘personal reasons’. Obviously, he can’t be officiating in India’s matches in Dubai, as the tournament rules stipulate neutral umpires. Hence, he is missing from the Champions Trophy,” a source told The Times of India.
The absence of Srinath and Menon is a notable development in cricketing circles, as they are India’s only representatives in the ICC Elite Panel. Their exclusion means the officiating panel for the Champions Trophy will not feature any Indian match officials.
Confirmed Umpires and Match Referees for Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC has announced a highly credentialed panel of umpires, including: Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Ahsan Raza, Paul Reiffel, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Joel Wilson.
The ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees for the tournament includes: David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft.
ICC’s Stance on Match Officials
Sean Easey, ICC’s Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees, expressed confidence in the appointed match officials:
Easey said, “We are pleased to announce our panel of match officials for the upcoming Men’s Champions Trophy. This is a credentialed officiating team whose expertise will be valuable in this high-profile tournament. We always try to name the most suitable and deserving officials for any event, and we are confident this group will do a fine job across the matches in Pakistan and the UAE. I wish them all the best and hope they have a memorable tournament.”
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