Paleker, Wharf included in the 2025-26 Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires

Allahuddien Paleker of South Africa and Alex Wharf of England have been drafted into the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires following the International Cricket Council’s annual review and selection process.

Paleker and Wharf, both of whom have considerable experience at the top level as part of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires, were picked by a selection panel consisting of ICC General Manager – Cricket, Wasim Khan (Chair), former English Premier League referee Mike Riley, former international umpire and umpire coach Peter Manuel and former player and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar.

Michael Gough of England and Joel Wilson of the West Indies, who were both inducted onto the panel in 2019, are the ones making way for the two new inductees.

ICC Chair, Jay Shah: “I am delighted to announce the Elite Umpires Panel for 2025-2026. To break into and maintain your position on the panel, umpires have to evidence the highest of standards across a number of areas, over a period of time.

“By definition, 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. 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.”

Paleker was on the International Panel since 2017 and Wharf since 2018.

Allahuddien Paleker: “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. Being on this panel brings both pride and responsibility with it but I am confident that my experience of having officiated across formats will stand me in good stead.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends, coaches, mentors, the ICC and Cricket South Africa for backing me and all my colleagues who supported me over the years.

"To my father, Jamalodien, who was also an umpire. He is my inspiration and role model; his teachings have brought me to this stage.

"Lastly, to my wife Shakira - you have been through this incredible journey with me. I want to thank you for all the sacrifices, support and patience you've shown; you have been my pillar of strength."

Alex Wharf: “I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the ICC and the ECB for the opportunities they've provided over the years. I am truly appreciative of their guidance and constant support.

“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. I look forward to continuing to learn from and work alongside them as I embark on this exciting new chapter in my career.”

Brief profiles of the two umpires:

Allahuddien Paleker

Paleker was a first-class cricketer who played 16 first-class games for Western Province B and Northerns. He has officiated on-field in four Tests, 23 ODIs and 67 T20Is in men’s international cricket and a total of 17 women’s international games. He stood in five matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and has also stood in five ICC Qualifier Tournaments and the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024.

Alex Wharf

Wharf represented Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Glamorgan over the course of a 16-year first-class career. He played 13 ODIs for England in 2004 and 2005. He has officiated on-field in seven Tests, 33 ODIs and 45 T20Is in men’s international cricket, as well as a total of 26 women’s international games. He stood in three matches of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, five matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and two matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In addition, he officiated in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022.

Emirates 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).