The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made important updates to its ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for the 2025-26 season, welcoming two new faces: Allahuddien Paleker from South Africa and Alex Wharf from England. This choice follows the ICC’s annual assessment course of, which evaluates umpires based mostly on their efficiency and contributions to the sport.
A brand new period begins
The inclusion of Paleker and Wharf marks a pivotal second of their careers, as each have demonstrated distinctive dedication and ability in officiating on the highest ranges of cricket. The choice panel, which included ICC Normal Supervisor – Cricket Wasim Khan, former English Premier League referee Mike Riley, and different esteemed figures in cricket, acknowledged the intensive expertise these umpires convey to the panel.
Paleker and Wharf substitute Michael Gough and Joel Wilson, each of whom have been a part of the elite panel since 2019. Their departure opens the door for recent expertise whereas acknowledging the contributions they made throughout their tenure.
ICC chairman Jay Shah’s affirmation
ICC Chair Jay Shah expressed his enthusiasm concerning the brand new appointments. In a media launch from ICC he acknowledged, “To interrupt into and preserve your place on the panel, umpires need to proof the very best of requirements throughout plenty of areas, over a time period.”
Shah emphasised that being an elite official comes with immense scrutiny and stress, however he’s assured in Paleker and Wharf’s talents to carry out persistently at this stage. His acknowledgment of Gough and Wilson’s service displays the ICC’s dedication to recognizing excellence in officiating.
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Private reflections from the brand new entrants
Each Paleker and Wharf shared heartfelt reflections upon their choice.
Allahuddien Paleker’s journey
Paleker described his induction as a “important second” in his umpiring profession. Having began as a first-class cricketer, he transitioned into officiating and has since gathered a wealth of expertise. He has stood in 4 Assessments, 23 ODIs, and 67 T20Is, together with officiating girls’s worldwide matches. Paleker credited his father, Jamalodien—additionally an umpire—as his inspiration and position mannequin. He expressed gratitude in the direction of his household, pals, mentors, and colleagues for his or her unwavering help all through his journey.
“I look ahead to reposing the religion proven in me,” he remarked, highlighting the delight and accountability that comes with being a part of the elite panel.
Alex Wharf’s gratitude
Wharf echoed comparable sentiments of appreciation. A former first-class participant who represented Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Glamorgan, he transitioned into umpiring after a profitable taking part in profession. He has officiated seven Assessments, 33 ODIs, and 45 T20Is. In his assertion, he acknowledged the help from the ECB and fellow umpires that has been instrumental in his growth.
“This milestone wouldn’t have been potential with out the superb colleagues who’ve shared their experience with me,” Wharf mentioned. His dedication to steady studying displays a dedication to sustaining excessive requirements in officiating.
Profiles of expertise
Allahuddien Paleker
Background: Former first-class cricketer with roots tracing again to Maharashtra, India.
Umpiring Expertise:
- Assessments: 4
- ODIs: 23
- T20Is: 67
- Girls’s Worldwide Matches: 17
- Notable Tournaments: Officiated at ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2024 and ICC Beneath-19 Males’s Cricket World Cup 2024.
Alex Wharf
Background: Former participant for Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Glamorgan.
Umpiring Expertise:
- Assessments: 7
- ODIs: 33
- T20Is: 45
- Girls’s Worldwide Matches: 26
- Notable Tournaments: Officiated at ICC Males’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and ICC Girls’s Cricket World Cup 2022.
Introduced panel of umpires
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), Allahuddien Paleker (South Africa), Ahsan Raza (Pakistan), Paul Reiffel (Australia), Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid (Bangladesh), Rodney Tucker (Australia), Alex Wharf (England).
