ICC Welcomes New Umpires: Paleker and Wharf Join Elite Panel

On Tuesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Allahudien Paleker from South Africa and Alex Wharf from England will join the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. They replace Michael Gough and Joel Wilson, who are stepping down.

Nitin Menon is the only Indian umpire on this panel, while Jayaraman Madangopal has been promoted to the Emerging Panel. This move allows him to officiate in international Test matches and One Day Internationals (ODIs) outside India. At 50 years old, Madangopal has already umpired one Test, 22 ODIs, and 42 T20 International matches.

Paleker is a former first-class cricketer and has officiated in four Test matches, 23 ODIs, and 67 T20Is. He also has experience in women’s international cricket and has worked at big events like the T20 World Cup and the Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

Wharf has a long history in cricket, playing first-class games for 16 years. He has officiated in seven Test matches, 33 ODIs, and 45 T20Is. He has been part of significant tournaments like the ICC men’s and women’s World Cups.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah congratulated Paleker and Wharf and thanked Gough and Wilson for their years of service. He expressed confidence in the new umpires, saying they have the skills to thrive under pressure.

Both Paleker and Wharf shared their gratitude for the support they received throughout their careers. Paleker mentioned how his father’s influence as an umpire inspired him, while Wharf thanked the ICC and the England and Wales Cricket Board for their support.

Elite Panel of Umpires for 2025-26:
– 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)
– Ahsan Raza (Pakistan)
– Paul Reiffel (Australia)
– Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid (Bangladesh)
– Rodney Tucker (Australia)
– Alex Wharf (England)