Cliff Notes – Gough and Wilson make way for Wharf and Paleker

Michael Gough and Joel Wilson have been removed from the ICC’s elite panel of umpires, with Allahuddien Paleker and Alex Wharf being appointed for the 2025-26 season.
Alex Wharf has officiated in multiple formats, including seven Tests and 45 T20Is, and expressed gratitude for the support received throughout his career.
Allahuddien Paleker, a former first-class cricketer, has officiated in various international matches and highlighted the honour and responsibility of being selected for the elite panel.

ICC elite panel of umpires: Gough and Wilson make way for Wharf and Paleker

Michael Gough and Joel Wilson have been removed, while former cricketers, South Africa’s Allahuddien Paleker and England’s Alex Wharf, have been included in the ICC’s elite panel of umpires for 2025-26 as part of the ICC’s routine performance-assessment process.

Wharf, who played 13 ODIs for England between 2004 and 2005, has been the on-field umpire in seven Tests, 33 ODIs and 45 T20Is in men’s international cricket, and was a part of the panel at the latest ICC white-ball tournaments for men and women, including at the Champions Trophy earlier this year in Pakistan and the UAE.

“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,” Wharf said in a statement released by the ICC. “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)

Kumara Dharmasena (Sri Lanka), Chris 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), Rod Tucker (Australia) and Alex Wharf (England).

Paleker is a former South African first-class cricketer, and has been an on-field umpire in four Tests, 23 ODIs and 67 T20Is in men’s international cricket, and 17 women’s international games. He also officiated at the men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, and the Under-19 men’s World Cup in 2024.

“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,” Palekar said. “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.”

Thanking Gough and Wilson for their services to the game, ICC chair Jay Shah welcomed the new members of the elite panel, saying, “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.”