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In a big turn of events, India's ICC elite umpire Nitin Menon and veteran match referee Javagal Srinath have reportedly opted out of Champions Trophy 2025 and will not travel to Pakistan for the eight-team tournament which is slated to start from February 19. As per a Times of India report, Menon cited 'personal reasons' for his decision, while it has been learnt that Srinath has opted for a 'leave'.
Nitin Menon, Javagal Srinath pull out of Champions Trophy
This development follows India's refusal to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, which led the PCB to adopt a hybrid hosting model, with India's matches being held in Dubai. The Champions Trophy 2025 will be played from February 19 to March 9.
Notably, Menon's absence is also likely due to ICC regulations, which generally prohibit umpires from officiating in matches involving their home team.
“Menon has refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy citing ‘personal reasons’. Obviously, he can’t be officiating in India’s matches in Dubai, as the tournament rules stipulate neutral umpires. Hence, he is missing from the Champions Trophy," a source told TOI.
Meanwhile, Javagal Srinath, who is currently officiating in the ODI series against England, confirmed that he will not be officiating in the Champions Trophy, citing a need to spend time at home after a prolonged period away.
“Yes I had asked for leave as I had quite a few days away from home in the month of November, December and January," Srinath said, as quoted by TOI.
Nitin Menon and Javagal Srinath are the sole Indian representatives on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and the ICC Elite Panel of Referees, respectively.
The Champions Trophy will be hosted at three venues in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, due to security concerns, India will play all their matches in Dubai, beginning with a game against Bangladesh on February 20th.
"The ICC wanted to put him (Menon) on the Champions Trophy roster. But he decided against travelling to Pakistan due to personal reasons," a BCCI source told PTI.
The three match referees selected for the Champions Trophy bring considerable experience to the tournament. David Boon officiated in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, while Ranjan Madugalle returns after officiating the 2013 final. Andy Pycroft also has prior Champions Trophy experience, having been involved in the 2017 edition.
Among the umpires, Richard Kettleborough, a veteran of 108 ODIs, will be joined by Chris Gaffaney, Kumar Dharmasena, Richard Illingworth, Paul Reiffel, and Rod Tucker, all of whom officiated in the 2017 tournament.
Kettleborough and Illingworth, who were the on-field umpires for the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, will be joined by Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Ahsan Raza, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Alex Wharf, and Joel Wilson. All of these umpires also officiated at the World Cup in India.
A look at the list of umpires for Champions Trophy 2025:
Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Ahsan Raza, Paul Reiffel, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Joel Wilson
Match Referees for Champions Trophy 2025:
David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft
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