Sri Lankan cricketing veteran Ranjan Madugalle, a respected member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, has been appointed to lead the playing control teams for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 series between Pakistan and Bangladesh. This series will be a key part of the ongoing Test Championship, showcasing high-level cricket between these two competitive teams.
The series comprises two Test matches. The first Test will be held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, starting on August 21 and running through August 25. This venue has been a regular host for international matches and promises to deliver a vibrant cricketing atmosphere. The second Test will be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, scheduled from August 30 to September 3. Karachi, known for its passionate cricket fans, will provide a fitting backdrop for the concluding match of the series.
The officiating team for this series will include a mix of elite and international umpires, ensuring a high standard of match control. For the Rawalpindi Test, the on-field umpiring duties will be carried out by England’s Richard Kettleborough and South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock. Both umpires are renowned for their extensive experience and are highly regarded within the cricketing community. England’s Michael Gough will serve as the third umpire, with Rashid Riaz from Pakistan taking on the role of fourth umpire.
As the series moves to Karachi, the on-field umpiring responsibilities will once again be handled by Michael Gough and Adrian Holdstock. Richard Kettleborough will return as the third umpire for this match, while Pakistan’s Asif Yaqoob will assume the role of fourth umpire.
This appointment of highly experienced match officials underlines the ICC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and quality of international cricket. The chosen team of umpires and referees brings a wealth of experience and expertise, ensuring that the series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be conducted with the utmost professionalism and fairness. Fans can look forward to an exciting and well-officiated series, adding to the anticipation of this significant fixture in the World Test Championship.
