As part of the ICC’s regular performance-assessment procedure, former cricket players Alex Wharf of England and Allahuddien Paleker of South Africa have been added to the ICC’s elite panel of umpires for 2025–2026, while Michael Gough and Joel Wilson have been dismissed.
A member of the panel at the most recent ICC white-ball tournaments for men and women, including the Champions Trophy earlier this year in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, Wharf, who played 13 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for England between 2004 and 2005, has officiated seven Test matches, 33 ODIs, and 45 Twenty20 Internationals in men’s international cricket.
“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,” claimed Wharf in an ICC statement.
“I look forward to continuing to learn from and work alongside them as I embark on this exciting new chapter in my career.”
Paleker, a former first-class cricket player from South Africa, has officiated four Test matches, 23 One-Day Internationals, 67 Twenty20 Internationals, and 17 Women’s Internationals. In 2024, he also served as an official at the Under-19 men’s World Cup and the men’s T20 World Cup.
“This is a pivotal point in my career as an umpire. Being included in the select panel is an honor, and I’m eager to repay the confidence that has been placed in me,” Palekar stated. “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.”
In his welcoming remarks, ICC chair Jay Shah thanked Gough and Wilson for their contributions to the game and stated, “We are confident that both Allahuddien and Alex possess the temperament, experience, and skill to deliver consistently at this very top level.” “Being an elite official brings with it scrutiny and pressure,” Shah said.
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