Top umpires axed as Allahudien Paleker, Alex Wharf added to ICC Elite Panel of Umpires

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday (25th March) announced the replacements for Michael Gough and Joel Wilson in the Elite Panel of Umpires. Allahudien Paleker and Alex Wharf are the two new entrants in the panel.

Allahudien Paleker, who played FC cricket in South Africa, has a decent amount of experience. He has officiated on-field in four Tests, 23 ODIs, and 67 T20Is in men’s international cricket. Apart from this, he also has stood in 16 women’s international games.

Not only this, Allahudien Paleker also officiated in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, and the Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024. On the other hand, Alex Wharf, who played 13 ODIs for England, also has great experience as an umpire and will be adding great value to the panel.

Alex Wharf has officiated in seven Tests, 33 ODIs, and 45 T20Is in men’s international cricket. He also stood in

ICC Men’s and Women's Cricket World Cups, the respective Men’s and Women's T20 World Cups in 2024, and the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

I wish them all the best for the upcoming season as well as for the future - Jay Shah on addition of Allahudien Paleker and Alex Wharf to ICC Elite Panel of Umpires

On the addition of Allahudien and Alex to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, chairman Jay Shah said that both of them have the temperament, experience, and skill to deliver consistently at the top level. He also expressed thanks to Joel Wilson and Michael Gough. Speaking about the same, he said:

"By definition, being an elite official brings with it scrutiny and pressure, but we are confident that both Allahudien 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. 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.”

While talking about the same, umpire Allahudien Paleker said that it's an honour for him to be named to an elite panel. He said he is confident that his experience will stand him in good stead. He elaborated:

"This is a significant moment in my umpiring career. It’s an honour to be named to 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."

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the ICC and ECB for the opportunities they've provided - Alex Wharf

Alex Wharf added that he wants to express his gratitude towards ICC and ECB for the opportunities and the support. He added:

"I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the ICC and ECB for the opportunities they've provided over the years. I am truly appreciative of their guidance and constant support. I look forward to continuing to learn from and work alongside them as I embark on this exciting new chapter in my career.”

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).

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