PCB finalizes match officials for Pakistan-Australia ODI series

The Pakistan Cricket Board announced match officials for the three-match ODI series against Australia, set from May 30 to June 4 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

Sri Lankan Graeme La Brooy will serve as match referee for all three games and lead the playing control unit, ensuring consistent oversight throughout the series. Experienced Elite Panel umpires will handle on-field duties.

Ahsan Raza will represent Pakistan, while Richard Kettleborough from England and Kumar Dharmasena from Sri Lanka will rotate across matches. The PCB mixed international experience with rising local officials to maintain high officiating standards.

The first ODI on May 30 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will feature Kumar Dharmasena and Asif Yaqoob on the field. Kettleborough will act as third umpire and Faisal Khan Aafreedi will be the fourth umpire. This setup balances veteran decision-making with support from emerging officials.

On June 2 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Richard Kettleborough and Faisal Khan Aafreedi will umpire on the field. Kumar Dharmasena will move to third umpire duties while Asif Yaqoob serves as fourth. This rotation keeps experienced eyes in key review roles and gives emerging umpires exposure in high-pressure matches.

The final ODI on June 4, also at Gaddafi Stadium, will see Kumar Dharmasena and Ahsan Raza on-field, with Kettleborough as third umpire and Nasir Hussain acting as fourth. The mix of Elite Panel and ICC International Panel officials aims to ensure accurate decisions and smooth match flow.

Overall, the appointments reflect PCB’s focus on strong officiating and developmental opportunities for Pakistani umpires. The presence of seasoned referees and umpires promises reliable match management, timely reviews, and minimal interruptions. Fans can expect well-officiated contests as Pakistan and Australia prepare to face off in two major venues over five competitive days.