PCB has announced the full panel of umpires and referees for the Pakistan vs Australia T20I series in Lahore, with Ali Naqvi reaching his 50th T20I as match referee.
Series Schedule and Venue Details
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the match officials for the upcoming three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Australia, which will be played at Lahore’s historic Gaddafi Stadium. The series is scheduled from 29 January to 1 February, giving fans three back-to-back high-intensity contests between two of the top sides in international cricket.
All three matches will start at 4:00 PM, with the coin toss taking place at 3:30 PM. The afternoon start time is expected to draw large crowds to the stadium and ensure prime-time viewership on television and digital platforms. With Pakistan gearing up for the T20 World Cup and Australia always a strong rival, the series will be watched closely by selectors, analysts and supporters alike.
Ali Naqvi to Oversee Series and Reach 50th T20I Milestone
Ali Naqvi, a member of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees, has been appointed as the match referee for all three T20Is. He will lead the playing control team throughout the series, overseeing all on-field and off-field conduct according to ICC playing conditions.
The second T20I will be a special occasion for Naqvi, as it will mark his 50th T20 International as a match referee. Fittingly, this milestone comes at the same venue where he officiated his first T20I as a referee back in April 2023. Reaching 50 games in a short span highlights the trust placed in him by both the PCB and the ICC and underlines his growing reputation on the global stage.
As match referee, Naqvi will be responsible for monitoring over-rates, player behaviour, code-of-conduct issues and all formal reports related to the matches. His presence adds stability and experience to the officiating group for this high-profile series.
Umpiring Line-up for Each T20I in Lahore
The PCB has also confirmed a strong panel of on-field and TV umpires, combining members of the ICC Elite Panel with leading officials from Pakistan’s National Elite Panel.
In the first T20I on 29 January, Ahsan Raza – a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires – will stand on-field alongside Asif Yaqoob. Nasir Hussain will serve as the third umpire (TV umpire), while Rashid Riaz will act as the fourth umpire for this opening fixture.
The second T20I on 31 January will again feature Ahsan Raza on-field, this time partnered with Rashid Riaz. Asif Yaqoob will move to the third umpire role, and Nasir Hussain will be the fourth umpire. This rotation allows the panel to share on-field and off-field responsibilities while maintaining continuity.
For the third and final T20I on 1 February, Rashid Riaz and Nasir Hussain will take charge as the two on-field umpires. Tariq Rasheed has been appointed as the third umpire, and Zulfiqar Jan – from the PCB National Elite Panel of Umpires – will serve as the fourth umpire. Across the series, each official has a defined role, ensuring a clear structure for decision-making and reviews.
Why the Officiating Panel Matters for the Series
A well-balanced and experienced officiating panel is critical for a high-profile series such as Pakistan vs Australia. Close T20Is often come down to fine margins, including tight wides, no‑balls, close catches and run‑out decisions. Having umpires like Ahsan Raza, who has extensive international experience, alongside in‑form national umpires helps maintain confidence in the fairness of outcomes.
The use of experienced TV umpires such as Nasir Hussain, Asif Yaqoob and Tariq Rasheed means that third‑umpire reviews, especially for edges, stumpings and boundary saves, can be handled with consistency and clarity. Meanwhile, the presence of a senior match referee in Ali Naqvi ensures that disciplinary matters, over‑rates and playing conditions are handled professionally.
For players, a stable, clearly defined officiating team allows them to focus fully on performance rather than worrying about procedural issues. For fans, knowing that ICC‑recognised officials are in charge adds credibility to the series, particularly at a time when every T20I is closely analysed in the build‑up to global tournaments.
With the schedule set, teams named and officials confirmed, the stage is now ready at Gaddafi Stadium for an exciting three‑match series between Pakistan and Australia, supported by a strong and experienced panel of match officials.
