Simon Taufel to umpire opening match of DP World ILT20 Season 3

Dubai
Australian umpire, Simon Taufel, widely regarded as one of the best in the history of the sport, returns to lead the ILT20 Season 3 match officials panel. Taufel will be joined by Roshan Mahanama as the pair serve as match referees for the region’s most exciting T20 tournament. Notably, Taufel’s association with the DP World ILT20 extends into its third season.
Renowned for officiating historic matches such as the 2011 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final and the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup final, Taufel will also perform duties as an umpire for the opening match of the season (11 January) that will feature Dubai Capitals and reigning champions MI Emirates in a rematch of Season 2’s final.
The first double-header Sunday of the ILT20 Season 3, on 12 January 2025, will feature South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock and Afghanistan’s Bismillah Jan Shinwari as the umpires for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Desert Vipers showdown at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Later in the day, Afghanistan’s Ahmad Shah Pakteen and ex- English player, Alex Wharf (13 ODIs for England) will officiate the Gulf Giants vs Sharjah Warriorz game at Dubai International Stadium.
umpires officiating in the 34-match cricketing extravaganza. Simon Taufel and Roshan Mahanama will alternate as match referees throughout the tournament. The collective experience and expertise of the match officials panel will ensure the tournament meets the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Simon Taufel: “I am thrilled to return to the DP World ILT20 for its third season. This league has set a benchmark for T20 tournaments worldwide, not only for the opportunities it provides international and local players but also for match officials in the region to officiate in a tournament that upholds the highest standards. Like Season 2, we will be continuing with specialist TV umpires – Paul Wilson and Leslie Reifer across the competition.”