Dubai, March 25 (PTI): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the latest additions to its Elite Panel of Umpires, featuring South Africa’s Allahudien Paleker and England’s Alex Wharf. Nitin Menon remains the sole Indian representative in the prestigious panel, while Jayaraman Madangopal has earned a promotion to the Emerging Panel.
Michael Gough and Joel Wilson will make way for Paleker and Wharf in the latest ICC reshuffle. Sources from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirm that Madangopal, 50, has been elevated to the Emerging Panel, allowing him to officiate overseas Test matches and ODIs. The former Tamil Nadu cricketer has officiated in one Test, 22 ODIs, and 42 T20Is to date.
Menon continues to hold a strong ranking in the Elite Panel, currently positioned second behind Richard Illingworth.
Profiles of the New Entrants
Allahudien Paleker (South Africa): A former first-class cricketer, Paleker has officiated on-field in four Tests, 23 ODIs, and 67 T20Is in men’s international cricket. Additionally, he has officiated in 17 women’s international matches and key ICC tournaments, including the men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the Under-19 men’s Cricket World Cup 2024.
Alex Wharf (England): Bringing extensive experience from his 16-year first-class playing career and 13 ODIs for England, Wharf has officiated on-field in seven Tests, 33 ODIs, and 45 T20Is. He has also stood in major tournaments such as the ICC men’s and women’s World Cups, the men’s and women’s T20 World Cups in 2024, and the upcoming men’s Champions Trophy in 2025.
Reactions and Statements
ICC Chairman Jay Shah congratulated Paleker and Wharf on their inclusion in the Elite Panel while expressing gratitude to Gough and Wilson for their contributions.
“Being an elite official comes with scrutiny and pressure, but we are confident that both Allahudien and Alex possess the temperament, experience, and skill to perform at the highest level. On behalf of the ICC, I wish them all the best for the upcoming season and beyond. We also extend our sincere thanks to Joel and Michael for their dedicated service to international cricket,” Shah stated.
Paleker acknowledged the significance of his promotion and credited his mentors, colleagues, and family for their unwavering support.
“This is a pivotal moment in my umpiring career. It’s an honour to be named in the Elite Panel, and I am eager to justify the faith shown in me. Officiating across different formats has prepared me for this challenge,” Paleker said.
He also paid tribute to his father, Jamalodien, who was an umpire himself, citing him as his inspiration.
Wharf also expressed gratitude to the ICC and ECB for their support throughout his career.
“I deeply appreciate the guidance and opportunities provided by the ICC and ECB. This milestone would not have been possible without my colleagues’ invaluable support, both on and off the field. I look forward to learning and working alongside them in this new chapter of my career,” Wharf said.
ICC Elite Panel of Umpires (2025-26):
- Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka)
- Christopher Gaffaney (New Zealand)
- Adrian Holdstock (South Africa)
- Richard Illingworth (England)
- Richard Kettleborough (England)
- Nitin Menon (India)
- Allahudien Paleker (South Africa)
- Ahsan Raza (Pakistan)
- Paul Reiffel (Australia)
- Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid (Bangladesh)
- Rodney Tucker (Australia)
- Alex Wharf (England)
The new panel marks another step in maintaining officiating standards in international cricket, ensuring experienced and skilled umpires oversee the game at its highest level.