ICC Announces The List Of Elite Panel Of Umpires For 2025-26

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced its updated Elite Panel of Umpires for the 2025-26 season, welcoming Allahuddien Paleker from South Africa and Alex Wharf from England as the newest members. This selection comes as part of the ICC’s annual review process, which evaluates umpires based on their performance, consistency, and contributions to the game.

Their induction into the elite panel marks a significant milestone in their careers, as they replace long-standing panel members Michael Gough and Joel Wilson, who have been part of the group since 2019. With this transition, the ICC aims to bring fresh perspectives and high officiating standards to international cricket.

A New Era in Umpiring

Umpiring in international cricket is a role that comes with immense scrutiny, requiring precision, experience, and the ability to handle pressure in high-stakes matches. The selection panel for the Elite Panel of Umpires included prominent figures such as ICC General Manager of Cricket Wasim Khan and former English Premier League referee Mike Riley.

The panel carefully assessed multiple factors, including decision-making accuracy, on-field composure, and adaptability to modern cricket’s fast-paced nature. After a rigorous evaluation, Allahuddien Paleker and Alex Wharf emerged as the two most deserving candidates to be elevated to this esteemed position.

ICC Chair Jay Shah’s Affirmation

ICC Chair Jay Shah expressed his confidence in the newly appointed umpires, highlighting the rigorous process behind their selection.

“To break into and maintain your position on the panel, umpires have to evidence the highest of standards across a number of areas, over a period of time.”

Shah further emphasized that elite umpires operate under constant pressure, given the scrutiny surrounding their decisions at the international level. He extended his gratitude to Michael Gough and Joel Wilson for their contributions, acknowledging their impact on the game over the years.

As cricket evolves with technological advancements such as DRS (Decision Review System) and ever-increasing competitive intensity, the role of umpires becomes more crucial than ever. Paleker and Wharf now bear the responsibility of ensuring fair play and maintaining the game’s integrity at the highest level.

Personal Reflections from the New Entrants

Both Allahuddien Paleker and Alex Wharf shared heartfelt reflections upon their selection to the Elite Panel of Umpires.

Allahuddien Paleker’s Journey: From First-Class Cricketer to Elite Umpire

Allahuddien Paleker’s appointment to the Elite Panel is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for the game. His journey began as a first-class cricketer in South Africa before he transitioned into officiating—a decision that would ultimately define his career.

With experience officiating in four Test matches, 23 ODIs, and 67 T20Is, Paleker has consistently demonstrated a sharp understanding of the game’s nuances. He has also officiated in multiple ICC tournaments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024.

Paleker credited his father, Jamalodien Paleker, who was also an umpire, as his biggest inspiration.

“This is a significant moment in my umpiring career. I look forward to reposing the faith shown in me by the ICC and my peers. My journey has been shaped by my father’s passion for the game, and I am grateful to my mentors, colleagues, and family for their unwavering support.”

His rise to the Elite Panel serves as an inspiration for many aspiring umpires, proving that a strong foundation in the game and continuous learning can lead to success at the highest level.

Alex Wharf’s Gratitude and Transition from Player to Umpire

Unlike Paleker, Alex Wharf started his journey as a first-class cricketer in England, representing Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Glamorgan. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to umpiring, where he quickly made a name for himself with his ability to handle high-pressure situations and make precise decisions.

Wharf has officiated in seven Test matches, 33 ODIs, and 45 T20Is, including prestigious tournaments such as the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022.

Upon his selection, Wharf expressed immense gratitude towards the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and his fellow umpires.

“This milestone would not have been possible without the amazing colleagues who have shared their expertise with me. The journey from being a player to an umpire has been fulfilling, and I look forward to upholding the standards set by the ICC Elite Panel.”

Wharf’s story is a testament to the diverse pathways that lead to umpiring success. His ability to see the game from both a player’s and an official’s perspective gives him a unique advantage on the field.

Profiles of the New Elite Umpires

Umpire Name	Nationality	Tests	ODIs	T20Is	Women’s Int. Matches	Notable ICC Tournaments
Allahuddien Paleker	South Africa	4	23	67	17	ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024
Alex Wharf	England	7	33	45	26	ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022

Announced ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for 2025-26

With the inclusion of Paleker and Wharf, the 2025-26 ICC Elite Panel of Umpires now consists of the following 12 members:

Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka)
Christopher Gaffaney (New Zealand)
Adrian Holdstock (South Africa)
Richard Illingworth (England)
Richard Kettleborough (England)
Nitin Menon (India)
Allahuddien Paleker (South Africa) [New]
Ahsan Raza (Pakistan)
Paul Reiffel (Australia)
Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid (Bangladesh)
Rodney Tucker (Australia)
Alex Wharf (England) [New]

What This Means for Cricket Officiating

The addition of Paleker and Wharf signals a continued evolution in cricket officiating. Their inclusion introduces a blend of youthful energy and modern perspectives, which are crucial as cricket becomes increasingly fast-paced and technologically driven.

Moreover, their appointments bring geographical balance to the panel, ensuring representation from different cricketing nations. With umpires playing a critical role in maintaining the game’s integrity, the ICC’s emphasis on continuous improvement and development ensures that the sport remains fair, transparent, and exciting.

Final Thoughts

As the 2025-26 cricket season approaches, all eyes will be on Allahuddien Paleker and Alex Wharf as they embark on this prestigious journey in the Elite Panel of Umpires. Their selection is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the ICC’s commitment to excellence in umpiring.

With major tournaments such as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 on the horizon, their skills, judgment, and composure will be put to the test on the global stage.

As cricket continues to evolve, these new elite umpires will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport, ensuring that every match is officiated with the utmost professionalism and fairness.

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