The ICC has announced the officials for the T20 World Cup Final between India and South Africa, and the list has increased the fear among Indian fans. Among the names is one official whose presence has historically spelled disaster for India.
The T20 World Cup Final is just a few hours away. Both India and South Africa are prepared for this major match, and the ICC’s preparations are nearly complete as well. They have announced the officials for the final, and with this announcement, the responsibilities of Rohit Sharma and his team have increased. Now, they need to break a significant superstition associated with the team.
They need to show that the outcome of a knockout match is determined by the team’s performance, not by the officials. The officials’ role is to ensure the match is conducted properly, but the result is decided on the ground by the teams’ performance. Why is this important? Because brothers and sisters… the ICC has assigned Richard Kettleborough as one of the umpires for the T20 World Cup 2024 Final.
Yes, it’s the infamous umpire whose mere presence on the ground has historically weakened the Indian team. Whenever he has officiated, India’s fate in ICC knockout matches seems sealed. The Indian team has not been able to overcome this jinx for years. However, there is a slight relief this time. Richard Sir won’t be seen on the ground; he will be serving as the third umpire in this match.
Previously, Richard has officiated in eight ICC knockout matches involving the Indian team, and India has lost every single one of them. This streak started in April 2014 when India reached the T20 World Cup final after years. Facing Sri Lanka, India managed only 130 runs, and Sri Lanka won by six wickets. Then came March 2015.
The semi-final of the ODI World Cup. Australia batted first and scored 328 runs. In response, India was bowled out for 233. In March 2016, at the Wankhede Stadium, India scored 192 runs for the loss of two wickets in the T20 World Cup semi-final. West Indies chased it down with two balls to spare, winning by seven wickets.
In the 2017 Champions Trophy final, Pakistan won first with a total of 338 runs. India were bowled out for 158 runs. New Zealand batted first and scored 239 runs while India scored 221 runs.
Earlier, in June, India lost the WTC Final by eight wickets. In 2023, India again lost the WTC Final to Australia by 209 runs, with Kettleborough serving as the TV umpire both times. India also lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final to Australia, with Kettleborough as the on-field umpire. So, on June 29, India will face not just South Africa but also the story associated with Kettleborough. To lift the trophy, they will need to overcome both.
