The International Cricket Council (ICC) has shaken up its Elite Panel of Umpires for the 2025-26 season, welcoming two new faces while bidding farewell to a pair of seasoned officials. South Africa’s Allahudien Paleker and England’s Alex Wharf have stepped into the spotlight, replacing Michael Gough and Joel Wilson. The announcement was made by the ICC on Tuesday.
Paleker, a former first-class cricketer from South Africa, brings a wealth of experience to the panel. He has already officiated in four Test matches, 23 ODIs and 67 T20Is in men’s cricket, along with 17 women’s international games. His resume boasts stints at big events like the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup and the 2024 Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
"This is a significant moment in my umpiring career. It's an honour to be named in the elite panel, and I look forward to reposing the faith shown in me. Being on this panel brings both pride and responsibility, but I am confident that my experience officiating across formats will stand me in good stead," Palekar said as quoted in a statement issued by the ICC.
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Wharf, a former England fast-bowler who played 13 ODIs, is no stranger to the game either. After a 16-year playing career, he made his mark as an umpire, standing in seven Tests, 33 ODIs, and 45 T20Is. He has also officiated at major tournaments, including the Champions Trophy 2025.
"This milestone would not have been possible without the amazing colleagues who have shared their expertise with me, and those who have supported me both on and off the field. I look forward to continuing to learn from and work alongside them as I embark on this exciting new chapter in my career," Wharf stated in the release.
Meanwhile, Gough and Wilson, both elite umpires since 2019, have stepped aside. Gough, a respected figure from England, and Wilson, known for his steady presence from the West Indies, leave behind a legacy of tough calls and high-pressure matches.
Gough has done the umpiring duties in 60 Tests, 136 ODIs and 41 T20Is in men's internationals and in seven ODIs and 15 T20Is in women's internationals. As for Wilson, he has officiated in 67 Tests, 140 ODIs and 71 T20Is in men's internationals and in 13 ODIs and 19 T20Is in women's internationals so far.
Also read: IPL 2025: Former umpire Anil Chaudhary calls it quits after officiating in last 17 IPL seasons
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The ICC chairman Jay Shah welcomed the new inclusions in the elite umpires panel list and also thanked Gough and Wilson for their years of service.
"By definition, being an elite official brings with it scrutiny and pressure, but we are confident that both Allahuddien and Alex possess the temperament, experience and skill to deliver consistently at this very top level. On behalf of the ICC, I wish them all the best for the upcoming season as well as for the future," Shah said in a statement released by the ICC," Jay Shah said.
"We would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to both Joel and Michael for their services to the world game, over a number of years," he added.
ICC 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).
