The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the make-up of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. Allahudien Paleker and Alex Wharf are the new additions to the panel, while Michael Gough and Joel Wilson step aside for the two new members

Allahudien Paleker of South Africa and Alex Wharf of England have been inducted into the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires as a result of the International Cricket Council's annual review and selection process.

Allahudien Paleker, a former South African first-class cricketer, has stood in four Tests, 23 ODIs, and 67 T20Is in men's international cricket, and 17 women's international matches total. He has also umpired big ICC events like the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup and the 2024 U19 Men's Cricket World Cup.

Alex Wharf has vast experience from his 16-year first-class career and has also stood in 13 ODIs for England. Wharf has officiated seven Tests, 33 ODIs, and 45 T20Is in men's international cricket, and has worked at the recent ICC Men's and Women's Cricket World Cups, the respective 2024 Men's and Women's T20 World Cups, and the 2025 Men's Champions Trophy.

England's Michael Gough and West Indies' Joel Wilson, both joined the panel in 2019, are stepping aside for the duo of new entrants.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah: "I am pleased to announce the Elite Umpires Panel for 2025/2026. To get picked and stay on the panel, umpires need to show the best in many aspects over a consistent period of time.".

The role of an elite umpire necessarily entails tight scrutiny and pressure. Nevertheless, we have faith that Allahuddien and Alex have the temperament, experience, and ability to maintain this level of performance all the time. On behalf of the ICC, I wish them the best of luck for the upcoming season and for the future.

Allahuddien Paleker: "This is a special moment in my umpiring career. It is a privilege to be selected to this elite panel, and I am eager to re-establish the faith vested in me. Being a member of this panel is a source of pride and responsibility, but I believe that my experience across formats will stand me in good stead.".

I would also like to seize this moment and thank my coaches, mentors, family, friends, the ICC and Cricket South Africa for the support they have given me, and all of my colleagues who have assisted me throughout the years.

Alex Wharf: "I would also like to wish to express a sincere thanks to the ECB and the ICC for the opportunities which they have made available to me throughout the years. I am extremely grateful to them for the guidance and the ongoing support.".

This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible teammates who have imparted their knowledge to me and those whose support has been offered to me on and off the field. I am looking forward to learning from and working with them even more as I begin this new, exciting chapter of my career."