By Ata Ur Rahmen 
PCB Match Officials 2025–26 Announced
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially revealed the PCB Match Officials 2025–26 panel for the upcoming domestic and international cricket season. This annual announcement plays a vital role in ensuring transparency, merit-based selection, and continuous improvement within Pakistan’s cricket officiating structure.
According to the PCB, the international panel for the PCB Match Officials 2025–26 includes match referee Ali Naqvi and umpires Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Afridi, Rashid Riaz, and Saleema Imtiaz. Their experience and consistency at the international level have earned them a spot in the top-tier officiating group.
Elite and Supplementary Panels
The PCB confirmed that the elite panel comprises 18 umpires and 10 match referees, selected through a detailed performance evaluation process. The board has also divided its supplementary panels into two segments to monitor and enhance performance more effectively.
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Supplementary Panel 1 includes 14 umpires.
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Supplementary Panel 2 features 24 umpires.
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Additionally, 10 referees are part of the referees’ supplementary panel.
This system allows the board to identify upcoming talent while maintaining high officiating standards throughout the domestic circuit.
Women Officials and Emerging Talent
For the PCB Match Officials 2025–26 season, the board has prioritized diversity and inclusion. Notably, 13 female umpires, including Saleema Imtiaz, have been inducted into the official panels. This move demonstrates PCB’s commitment to promoting women in cricket administration and on-field roles.
Furthermore, the Emerging Panel includes 40 umpires from across Pakistan who will undergo regular performance reviews and training. The initiative aims to prepare the next generation of qualified umpires and referees for future domestic and international matches.
Purpose Behind the New Structure
According to PCB, the main objective of structuring
the PCB Match Officials 2025–26 panel is to enhance consistency, fairness, and professionalism among officials nationwide. The system provides clear pathways for promotion and ensures that only the best-performing umpires move up to the elite level.
The board also emphasized that continuous assessments will take place throughout the season, allowing umpires and referees to receive constructive feedback from senior mentors.
ICC Warning to Sidra Ameen
In a separate development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a warning to Pakistani women’s cricketer Sidra Ameen following a code of conduct breach during the Women’s ODI World Cup match against India.
According to the ICC, after being dismissed, Sidra struck her bat on the ground in frustration — an action that violates ICC’s Level 1 Code of Conduct. As a result, she has received one demerit point and an official warning.
The ICC confirmed that Sidra Ameen accepted the charge, and since it was a minor offence, no formal hearing was required. The decision serves as a reminder for players to maintain discipline and sportsmanship on the field.
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