Indian fans are tensed following Richard Kettleborough selection as the CWC 2023 final umpire, here is why along with his record vs India in finals
English umpires Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough will handle officiating duties for the much-awaited ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final, located in Ahmedabad.
What is the record of cricket umpire Richard Kettleborough vs India in ICC final matches and stats
Together, these two experienced officials have officiated event semifinal matches for more than ten years. In 2013, 2014, and 2015, Kettleborough and Illingworth shared the coveted David Shepherd Trophy, which is given to the ICC Umpire of the Year. Illingworth won the trophy on two occasions, in 2019 and 2022. Illingworth will also be making his second appearance in a World Cup final, however this will be his first as a match official. He participated as a player in the 1992 Cricket World Cup final.
Umpires for the World Cup final:
On field umpires: Richard Kettleborough, Richard Illingworth.
Third umpire: Joel Wilson.
Match Referee: Andy Pycroft. pic.twitter.com/1pxhVKqVak
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 17, 2023
Having overseen the 2015 World Cup final, in which Australia defeated New Zealand to win the title in front of a raucous crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Kettleborough is no stranger to the grandeur of World Cup finals. However, fans are tensed over his appointment for the upcoming India vs Australia ICC World Cup final 2023.
With over 300 international matches under his belt, Richard Kettleborough is a well-respected and seasoned international umpire. However, Indian fans are not happy by the decision of he officiate the final match. It is because, in several of Team India’s defeats in the ICC knockout stages, Kettleborough has served as the umpire.
Over the past ten years, Richard Kettleborough has seen India’s heartbreaks in crucial encounters. Kettleborough has overseen almost all of India’s team’s elimination matches in ICC competitions that the country has lost since 2014, which has left the Indian cricket fans amused and in anxiety.
Interestingly, Richard Kettleborough refereed one of India’s defeats against South Africa during the Super-12 stage. The most recent on news was when India lost to New Zealand in the last four of the 2019 ODI World Cup.
Another one was in the WTC Final 2023 when Richard came under heavy fire and scrutiny for his decision to give Shubman Gill out during India’s second innings following a contentious catch made by Cameron Green.