ICC Elite Panel of Umpires

[Abdullah719]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Michael Gough of England and Joel Wilson of the West Indies in the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for the season 2019-20 following the annual review and selection process.

Gough and Wilson have been elevated from the Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires by the selection panel consisting of ICC General Manager - Cricket, Geoff Allardice (Chairman), former player and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, and match referees Ranjan Madugalle and David Boon.

Both these umpires have gained significant experience at the international level with Gough having officiated in nine Tests, 59 ODIs and 14 T20Is and Wilson having stood in 13 Tests, 63 ODIs and 26 T20Is. They replace retired umpire Ian Gould and Ravi Sundaram who were part of the previous panel.

Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees: “Being an elite official is an extremely challenging job. Every decision is scrutinized by millions of fans and each match official is subject to a rigorous ongoing performance assessment throughout the year.

“We are fortunate to have some fantastic officials who are able to withstand the pressures of the job and deliver consistently on the international stage. Michael and Joel are deserving additions to the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and I wish them all the best for the coming season and for the future.”

The other members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires are Aleem Dar, Kumar Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Bruce Oxenford, Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker.

The Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees remains unchanged with David Boon, Chris Broad, Jeff Crowe, Ranjan Madugalle, Andy Pycroft, Richie Richardson and Javagal Srinath the seven officials on that list.

 

[hadi123]

Why was S Ravi not included?

 

[cricketjoshila]

How many English umpires in that list?

 

[cricketjoshila]

And Sanjay Manjrekar in selection panel? This is ridiculous.

 

[silentkiller187]

Why was S Ravi not included?

Have you seen his decision making recently,surprised Dharmasena has made it to, bot have been seen to cave into player pressure, interesting to see how many DRS decisions each umpire has got correct across the board, should use this as a selection criteria.

 

[topspin]

India produce fine cricketers but produce umpires.

All cricket fans should welcome this decision by the ICC to discard S.Ravi from the elite panel list. He is a pub cricket umpire.

 

[Mean&Green]

This is beyond ridiculous sundaram Ravi is a very good umpire definitely better than Aleem dar who is way beyond his time now and kumar dharmasena I don’t need to say much about him. Joel Wilson kumar aleem should have not been in their ridiculous

 

[warcry]

doesnt really matter. cricket should be moving in the direction to replace umpires with technology. no balls, lbws, caught behinds, all can be done automatically with modern AI techniques. all that is needed is greater processing power to remove delays, and the will to implement it.

 

[barah_admi]

Why was S Ravi not included?

Because he is terrible.

 

[angrypathan]

Good riddance. Also quite interesting to see how much more experienced Aleem Dar is compared to everyone else

 

[BaankeJi]

That is typical ICC for you. Always making wrong decisions.

 

[Aman]

S. Ravi is far better than Dharmasena

 

[Major]

Its sad that we cant produce more umpires

 

[KyoOne]

Joel Wilson is by far the worst umpire out there. Have been noticing his mediocre umpiring since South African series in December.

 

[satheesh]

S. Ravi is far better than Dharmasena

seems you are still reeling from that final result

 

[Aman]

seems you are still reeling from that final result

S. Ravi has been decent in the games I've followed while Dharmasena tends to make a lot of mistakes.

 

[Mirpur express]

Don’t know why Ravi was part of the elite panel in first place! terrible to put it mildly...

 

[angrypathan]

Aleem Dar having a shocker so far in the first Ashes test.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

S Ravi better than dharmasena and aleem Bhai who are both rubbish.

 

[MenInG]

ICC Elite Panel of Umpires 2019/20: India’s Nitin Menon included

India’s Nitin Menon has been included in the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for the season 2020-21 following the annual review and selection process conducted by the International Cricket Council.
The 36-year-old, who has officiated in three Tests, 24 ODIs and 16 T20Is, replaces England’s Nigel Llong and is the third from his country to make the prestigious panel after Srinivas Venkatraghavan and Sundaram Ravi.

A selection panel consisting of ICC General Manager - Cricket, Geoff Allardice (Chairman), former player and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, and match referees Ranjan Madugalle and David Boon, picked Menon, who was earlier part of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires.

Nitin Menon: "It’s a great honour and matter of pride for me to be named in the Elite panel. To be officiating regularly along with the leading umpires and referees of the world is something that I always dreamt of and the feeling has yet to sink in.

"Having already officiated in Tests, ODIs and T20Is as well as in ICC events, I understand the great responsibility that comes with the job. I look forward to the challenges and will do my best at every opportunity I get. I also feel this is a responsibility on me to take Indian umpires forward and help them by sharing my experiences.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, BCCI and ICC for their support and believing in my ability over the years. I would also like to thank my family for their sacrifices and unconditional support throughout my career."

Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees: "Nitin has come through our pathway system with very consistent performances. I congratulate him for being selected to the Elite panel and wish him continued success."

The other members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires are Aleem Dar, Kumar Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Michael Gough, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Bruce Oxenford, Paul Reiffel, Rod Tucker and Joel Wilson.




https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/1701140

 

[Abdullah719]

Covid ‘homecoming’ for elite umpires

Though the pandemic has forced both the temporary decisions, there is some irony International Cricket Council (ICC)’s ban on saliva use on the ball has caused so much debate and the decision to post home umpires in Tests none. ICC’s switch to neutral umpires in Tests in 2002, after a decade of experiment, was due to constant complaints by visiting teams that local umpires blatantly favoured the home team. Unlike in the past, when appointments were done by the home boards, ICC will be in charge this time.

The ‘home coming’ and saliva ban will come into force when England host West Indies in the first Test starting on July 8. ICC said in a statement “the requirement to appoint neutral match officials will be temporarily removed… owing to the current logistical challenges with international travel.”’

The trial with home officials though is likely to face conflict of interest questions straight-up as ex-England batsman Chris Broad could be Match Referee (England’s only ICC panel referee) with son Stuart playing.

Spoiler

The ICC Cricket Operations department though will vet all code of conduct sanctions, and appeals will be heard by a neutral Elite Panel match referee. Only the fourth umpire (reserve) will be appointed by the home board. In ODIs, one field umpire and the fourth umpire were named by home boards before the pandemic and ICC only appointed the match referee for T20Is.

MIANDAD FOCUS

Despite the circumstances, home umpires will still feel the heat of scrutiny.

Former Pakistan batting great, Javed Miandad, knows all about controversies and home umpires. His wry smile, abrasive body language and brilliant batting was a challenge for visiting teams in Pakistan at his peak in the 1980s, and they were left feeling the men in white coat too were against them.

Such complaints though weren’t exclusive to playing in Pakistan. Other country umpires too have courted criticism and controversies.

In his book, Out Of My Comfort Zone, former Australia skipper Steve Waugh dedicates a chapter ‘Death by Silence’ to incidents in the 1988 Karachi Test, accusing Miandad of sledging bowlers and fielders while batting.

“The arrival of the *****ly Javed in the middle had everyone on the edge. We knew he was the player Pakistanis all loved to bat with, and as usual he strutted around like he owned the place. Consecutive unsuccessful leg before shouts when he was 15, both from the bowling of Tim May and both of which we thought were quite obviously out, only set the tone but dramatically altered the course of the match.

“Javed was a brilliant watcher of the ball, leaving it as late as possible… But it was like he was having a game of French cricket in the backyard—except he wasn’t going to be given lbw. Most frustrating of all, he knew it and would tell you so whenever he got to the non-striker’s end. I recall him saying to me just out of earshot of the umpires, during one of my fruitless spells in the debilitating heat, ‘What are you doing? Don’t waste your time. This is my turf.’ He was referring to an earlier appeal for leg before.”

Miandad hit a double century and Pakistan won by an innings, leaving Australia doubly frustrated. Waugh claims he was given out wrongly in both innings (‘the umpire saw six stumps instead of three,’ he says of the first innings).

“Such was our sense of injustice that we held a team meeting at the conclusion of Day 3 of the Test to discuss our position and the options available. We openly canvassed the idea of abandoning the tour if the umpiring didn’t improve.” Only two players voted to stay back, but their board persuaded Australia to continue.

In 1984, New Zealand captain Jeremy Coney too had threatened to walk off in the Karachi Test after controversial umpire Shakoor Rana turned down an appeal against Miandad.

NEUTRAL UMPIRES

The seeds for neutral umpires though were sowed in Pakistan, after their win in the first Test of the 1986 series against West Indies again led to criticism of the umpires. To end the wrangling, skipper Imran Khan invited Indian umpires Piloo Reporter and VK Ramaswamy to stand in the next two Tests.

Miandad rejects Waugh’s claim on sledging and criticism of the umpires. “You can’t take away credit from any player,” he says. Pakistan and India bore the brunt of criticism though umpiring complaints came from everywhere, says Miandad. “Credit was denied for deserving performances.”

Criticism though further eroded the confidence of home umpires, especially under pressure. For the 1989 India series, Imran got two English umpires to stand. ICC took note, and started posting one third-country umpire in Tests on trial basis in 1992, expanding it two years later before making it permanent in 2002.

Miandad though still backs home umpires.

“With so much technology, there can be no hanky-panky; anyone giving a poor decision will be exposed. The official will think of his prestige… if he does two bad games, he will want to retire. If there’s any doubt, you can use the review. The standard of umpiring will also improve with more opportunities.”

In India, the selection process also hurt umpiring in those days, says former Test umpire AV Jayaprakash. “(Before 1980s) at the fag end of their careers, umpires would be gifted one of two matches by BCCI. If you haven’t been good enough for 20 years to do international matches, how can you become good at retirement time?” he asks.

Between 1995 and 2002, BCCI made around 45 officials ODI umpires, says a former Test umpire, who did not wish to be identified. “It will be good if ICC does the assessment. If left to the home boards, there will be favouritism. It used to happen… whoever came into the panel got his man. All have done one to two matches. That’s why ICC didn’t give chance to anyone except S Venkataraghavan, who was the only one in the Elite panel for years.”

Former Test umpire Suresh Shastri feels home umpires will improve with more opportunities. “The communication, body language will be better. They are more used to our conditions—that will be one of the biggest advantages.”

The timing of 36-year-old Nitin Menon’s inclusion in the Elite Panel of umpires can’t be better. India has three umpires in the second-rung International Panel—C.Shamshuddin, Anil Chaudhary and Virender Sharma.

Jayaprakash says Indian umpires must do their homework. “They will have to be thorough about the rules on saliva ban… There is no point in reading about the same old things. I used to go through laws on the uncommon mode of dismissals. In the 2001 Chennai Test, I gave Steve Waugh out handled the ball. The scorer is going to ask, we can’t fumble there.”

When giving out obstructing the field, for instance, the umpire must check with the fielding captain as the appeal can be withdrawn. “It happened to Shiv Sundar Das in a Test I was officiating…we asked the opposition captain.”

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...ite-umpires/story-XlnwzSRu1Tqofc2LZqgaKI.html

 

[majiz]

chris broad, match referees etc

match referee. what does this even mean?
you have teams on the borderline of bankruptcy. such as west indies and zimbabwe. but yet the ICC give the likes of chris broad hundreds of thousands each year to do literally nothing
what is that all about.

chris broad hasnt lifted a thing in like twenty years but the ICC are pumping his bank account with a hundreds of thousands of pounds each year? and for what reason? this money would be so much better spent on ugandan cricket

 

[MenInG]

PCB nominates match officials for ICC panels

Lahore, 5 October 2020:

The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced its nominations to the ICC Panel of International Match Officials for the 2020-21 season.

Former Test opener Ali Naqvi is the only new inclusion as he joins Prof. Javed Malik in the ICC Panel of International Match Referees, while Ahsan Raza, Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz Waqar and Shozab Raza have been retained in the ICC Panel of International Umpires.

Ali has replaced Mohammad Anees, who is part of the PCB’s six-member Elite Panel of Match Referees. Anees refereed in two ODIs in November 2017 between Papua New Guinea and Scotland in Dubai.

Ali Naqvi, 43, played five Tests for Pakistan in a five-month period from October 1997 to March 1998, scoring 242 runs at just over 30. Ali began his career with a fine 115 in Rawalpindi against a bowling attack including Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Pat Symcox and Jacques Kallis. However, he could not convert that start into a successful career as he managed scores of 19, 30 not out, 11, 6, 27, 13, 13 and 8 in his next eight innings.

He retired from first-class cricket in 2011 after aggregating 5,881 runs in 115 matches with 14 centuries and 24 half-centuries.

In 2014, Ali was appointed as a member of the junior national selection committee before joining the PCB Panel of Match Referees in 2016-17. He was promoted to the elite panel in 2018-19. He is presently a member of the PCB Cricket Committee as the match officials’ representative.

Bilal Qureshi, PCB Manager - Umpires and Referees: “I want to congratulate Ali Naqvi on his elevation to the ICC Panel of International Match Referees. I have worked very closely with Ali and followed his progression as a match referee, and I think this is a well-earned and deserved nomination.

“Ali has a sound knowledge about the rules and regulations, while he enjoys tremendous respect in the domestic circuit. As a former international, Ali understands the mindset of professional cricketers better, which, in turn, helps him in his overall player management.

“The PCB, as part of its future strategy, continues to encourage former international cricketers to become match officials as this will not only help them to stay connected to the game but will also provide them a career pathway.

“The more former international cricketers will join the noble profession, the better chances Pakistan will have to get a representation in the match officials’ elite panels. Aleem Dar is the only Pakistani in the present elite panel, while our last match referee was Wasim Raja in 2004. The last umpire to make a Test debut was Nadeem Ghauri in 2012.

“I also want to thank Mohammad Anees for his outstanding contribution as a Pakistan representative on the international panel. Anees still has a lot to offer and I am sure the next generation of match referees will benefit immensely from Anees’ approach, preparations and match management.”

ICC Panel of International of Umpires - Ahsan Raza, Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz Waqar and Shozab Raza.

ICC Panel of International of Match Referees - Ali Naqvi and Prof. Mohammad Javed Malik

 

[MenInG]

The MCC World Cricket committee (WCC) met recently via Conference Call. It was the first meeting of 2021, following the postponement of the physical meetings which were planned for 2020.


The use of host-country umpires in Test cricket

A consequence of the pandemic has been the use of host-country umpires in Test cricket, with each team being given an extra review per innings. So far, the quality of the umpiring has appeared to be of a good standard, with very few, if any, accusations of bias, as well as the presence of DRS to correct any mistakes.

With it being an opportune time to revisit the change, the committee recommended the further utilisation of host-country umpires in international cricket. It would not only save a lot of unnecessary travel and expense to the game, but it was also felt that it was a boost to host-country umpires to be able to officiate in their home country, and that the best umpires should be able to officiate anywhere in the world.

Whilst the move away from a necessity for neutral umpires was suggested, it was also recommended that a balance could be struck – such as using one host-country umpire and one neutral umpire as the on-field officials. This would ensure that umpires still had the opportunity to officiate away from their home country, improving their skills in the process. The neutrality of the TV umpire and match referee was also deemed important.

The TV umpire’s role has come under added scrutiny, with some suggestions that specialist TV umpires could be used at a central location for all matches, rather than being based at the ground. Such systems are in place for English Premier League football, and in the USA for NFL and basketball. The committee would support exploring the viability of this further.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Senior Umpires Call Time

Bruce Oxenford and Paul Wilson, two of Australia’s most respected and long-serving umpires, have announced their retirements from the Cricket Australia National Umpires Panel at the conclusion of the current Australian season.

The Marsh Sheffield Shield match between Western Australia and Queensland at the WACA Ground, March 1-4, will be Oxenford and Wilson’s final engagement.

Oxenford, a veteran of 62 Tests and 97 ODIs, spent 13 years on the ICC Elite Panel before returning to finish his illustrious career on the Cricket Australia National Umpiring Panel.

He has officiated in 75 first-class matches including two Sheffield Shield finals, 50 List A matches and 43 BBL games, including two finals.

Wilson spent 11 years on the ICC International Panel and officiated in eight Tests, 43 ODIs and 26 T20 Internationals.

His 62 first class matches included four Sheffield Shield finals and 61 List A matches. He was also a popular figure in the BBL standing in 88 matches including five finals.

While their significant contributions to Australian Cricket will be greatly missed, both Oxenford and Wilson believe the time is right to hand the reins to the next generation of Australian umpires.

Wilson will continue to umpire internationally in various franchise tournaments.

Bruce Oxenford said:

“My journey as an Umpire has been a rewarding, enjoyable and at times challenging one. I have been extremely fortunate to have travelled the world as a part of this great game, and it is the wonderful people in our sport that I will miss the most.

“I am extremely grateful for all the support and friendship that I have received along the way from my family, Cricket Australia, my Umpiring colleagues, and coaches. None of this would have been possible without it.

“I am looking forward to whatever new challenges lie ahead off the field.

“I feel privileged to be able to finish my career with Blocker (Wilson) at the WACA and I’ve loved every minute of umpiring here in Australia”.

Paul Wilson said:

"I am forever grateful to Cricket Australia for signing me to the Project Panel, following in the footsteps of Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker. This profession has enabled me to travel the world, be a part of some amazing cricket matches and make lifelong friends along the way.

“Officiating is what we do but not who we are. My wife, Sally, has been an incredible support to me and a pillar of strength for our young family particularly when we spend long periods away from home. I now look forward to spending more time with my crew and begin writing the next chapter in our story!"

"I'm truly honoured to be able to spend my last First-Class match with Ox.”

Luke O’Brien, CA Match Officials Manager said:

“Blocker and Ox will leave a wonderful legacy for Match Officiating in this country for a long time to come.

“They are not only terrific umpires they are terrific people who will be missed on and off the field.

“We can’t thank them enough for their contribution to umpiring in this country and would love to see them stay involved in cricket in some capacity”.

Bruce Oxenford

62 Test Matches

29 Test Matches as TV Umpire

97 One Day Internationals (2011, 2015 & 2019 ICC World Cups)

60 ODIs as TV Umpire

20 T20 Internationals (2012, 2014 & 2016 ICC World Cups)

11 T20Is as TV Umpire

75 First-Class Matches (2 Sheffield Shield Finals)

50 List-A Matches (1 One Day Cup Finals)

43 Big Bash Matches (2 Domestic Finals)

13 Big Bash Matches as TV Umpire

8 Women’s Test Matches

12 Women’s One Day Internationals

15 Women’s T20 Internationals

Paul Wilson

8 Test Matches

5 Test Matches as TV Umpire

43 One Day Internationals (2019 & 2023 ICC World Cups)

18 ODIs as TV Umpire

26 T20 Internationals (2021 & 2022 ICC World Cups)

14 T20Is as TV Umpire

62 First-Class Matches (4 Sheffield Shield Finals)

61 List-A Matches (3 One Day Cup Finals)

88 Big Bash Matches (5 BBL Finals)

39 Big Bash Matches as TV Umpire

1 Women’s Test Match

8 Women’s One Day Internationals (2017 & 2022 ICC World Cups)

1 Women’s T20 International

CA

 

[BouncerGuy]

The International Cricket Council has congratulated Marais Erasmus on an outstanding career, as the South African retires from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires after the second and final Test between New Zealand and Australia which starts on Friday.

Erasmus, who won the David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC Umpire of the Year in 2016, 2017 and 2021, will be standing in his 82nd Men’s Test match in Christchurch. He has also officiated in 123 Men’s ODIs, 43 Men’s T20Is and 18 Women’s T20Is.

The 60-year-old was appointed to the Elite panel in 2010, making him – along with Rod Tucker – the longest serving current umpire on the list.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice praised Erasmus for a superb career that saw him officiate in several ICC events over the years.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice: “Marais has had an outstanding career as an international umpire. He has officiated in many global ICC tournaments, including World Cup finals, as well as high-profile series all over the world, at all times displaying his skill, calmness and composure, even in the most challenging of situations.

“He has not only been an excellent umpire but also a fine team man who is respected by his colleagues in the ICC and on the Elite panel. On behalf of the ICC, I congratulate Marais on a superb career and wish him all the success in his future pursuits. He still has a lot to give to the game and I am sure he will continue to be involved in cricket in the years to come.”

Erasmus reflected on his time on the panel and thanked his colleagues for supporting him over the years.

Marais Erasmus: “I have had a wonderful time on the Elite Panel, officiating in some top-class matches around the world and in global ICC events.

“I am very fortunate to have continued my association with the game after my time as a cricketer in South Africa and have enjoyed every moment.

“While I will miss being on the Elite Panel and the challenges that come with it, I feel it is time for me to step away and look to contribute to the game in some other way.

“I thank the ICC, CSA and my colleagues on the panel for their backing over the years. I also want to thank my wife Adéle, boys Chris and Geo, and all our relatives and friends for their support and encouragement.”

Umpire Tucker thanked Erasmus on behalf of the Elite Panel and wished him all the best for the future.

Rod Tucker: “Marais epitomises what the Elite Panel is supposed to be. He is the type of person that immediately makes you feel welcome in his presence. His personality off the field is what you see on the field. He can calm everyone, and you feel at ease in his company.

“I think the greatest compliment I could give Marais is that he would be mentioned in the same breath as the great David Shepherd, both so calm but very strong and so well respected by all those in the game.

“I have been very good friends with Marais since we first met in 2009 during an umpires’ exchange programme and been privileged to have been inducted on the Elite Panel along with him in 2010.

“It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to Marais as he will not be part of our panel moving forward.”

Marais Erasmus in global ICC Tournaments:

4 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups - 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023, including the 2019 final at Lord’s between England and New Zealand
2 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy tournaments - 2013 and 2017, including the 2017 final between India and Pakistan at The Oval
7 ICC Men’s T20 World Cups - 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2021 and 2022, including the 2021 final between Australia and New Zealand and the 2022 final between England and Pakistan

3 ICC Women’s T20 World Cups: 2010, 2012, 2014, standing in the finals of all three

ICC​

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sharfuddoula becomes the first Bangladesh umpire to be included in the ICC Elite Panel​

Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid became the first from his country to be named in the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.​

Sharfuddoula's appointment was confirmed following the International Cricket Council’s annual review and selection process.

The decision to elevate him from the Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires was taken by a selection panel comprising of ICC General Manager – Cricket, Wasim Khan (Chair), former player and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, retired New Zealand umpire Tony Hill, and consultant officiating expert Mike Riley.

The 47-year-old has been a part of the International Panel since 2006; his first international appointment coming in 2010 when he officiated an ODI between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Mirpur.

Sharfuddoula has been a trailblazer in many respects. He was the first Bangladesh umpire to stand in a ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. In all, he officiated five matches in last year’s Cricket World Cup in India. He also stood in the exciting Brisbane Test between Australia and West Indies, thus, becoming just the second Bangladesh umpire to have officiated as a neutral umpire in a Test.

In all, he has been an on-field umpire in 10 Men’s Test Matches, 63 Men’s ODIs and 44 Men’s T20Is. He has also featured on-field in 13 Women’s ODI matches and 28 Women’s T20Is. Besides appearing in the aforementioned Men’s Cricket World Cup, he also stood in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 and 2022 and officiated the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2018.

Sharfuddoula expressed his excitement at the appointment and looks forward to live up to the backing, “It is a great honour to be named on the ICC Elite Panel.

"To be the first from my country on the panel makes it extra special and I look forward to justifying the faith shown in me. I have had a fair bit of experience over the years and am ready for more challenging assignments.

“I would like to thank the ICC and the BCB for backing me and my other colleagues for all their help and guidance. I would also like to thank my family and friends for standing by and supporting me.”

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice also extended his congratulations to Sharfuddoula,

“I would also like to congratulate Sharfuddoula for his inclusion on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, and to acknowledge his achievement of being the first umpire from Bangladesh to be selected on this panel. This is a well-deserved reward for many years of consistent performances in international matches and ICC tournaments.”

There was also a change in the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Their number has been reduced to six from seven. Chris Broad is not included in the panel.

Broad, who had been on the panel since 2003, has refereed 123 Test Matches, 361 ODIs and 135 T20Is, as well as 15 Women’s T20Is. He officiated in four ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups, four ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, and two ICC Women’s T20 World Cups.

Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees: David Boon (Australia), Jeff Crowe (New Zealand), Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka), Andrew Pycroft (Zimbabwe), Richie Richardson (West Indies), Javagal Srinath (India).

Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka), Christopher Gaffaney (New Zealand), Michael Gough (England), Adrian Holdstock (South Africa), Richard Illingworth (England), Richard Kettleborough (England), Nitin Menon (India), Ahsan Raza (Pakistan), Paul Reiffel (Australia), Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid (Bangladesh), Rodney Tucker (Australia), Joel Wilson (West Indies).

Sharfuddoula becomes the first Bangladesh umpire to be included in the ICC Elite Panel

Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid became the first from his country to be named in the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Match Referee reaches major milestone during Boxing Day Test

A big day for the experienced match referee in Melbourne as he becomes just the fourth person to reach the 100-match milestone in men's Tests.

Former Zimbabwe captain Andy Pycroft has become just the fourth person to officiate in 100 men's Test matches as a match referee.

Pycroft, who played three Tests and 20 ODIs for Zimbabwe between 1983 and 1992, achieved the milestone during the ongoing Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the MCG when he joined a group of three match referees to have previously reached the mark.

Ex-Sri Lanka batter Ranjan Madugalle has filled the role the most times in men's Test matches having stood as match referee on a total of 225 occasions, while New Zealander Jeff Crowe (125 times) and former England opener Chris Broad (123) were the only other people to have reached triple figures until today.

Most matches as Match Referee - Men's Tests

OFFICIAL	MATCHES AS MATCH REFEREE
Ranjan Madugalle	225
Jeff Crowe (New Zealand)	125
Chris Broad (England)	123
Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe)	100

Pycroft, who has also officiated in 238 Men’s ODIs, 174 Men’s T20Is and 21 Women’s T20Is since 2009, said he has enjoyed every minute of the journey to 100 matches as a match referee.

“It has been a great honour and pleasure being on the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees over the years, and to have been afforded the opportunity to officiate all over the world, embracing different cultures," he said.

“I would like to thank the ICC for its support, my fellow Match Officials, past and present, for their professionalism and friendship, and my wife, Karen, and my family, for their encouragement and tolerance.

“It has been a rewarding journey, and I have treasured every moment of it.”

ICC

 

[The Bald Eagle]

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).

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I can't believe that Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula is still on the panel. He is a terrible umpire. Joel Wilson might have been the worst of all, so glad to see he has been dropped from the panel. I would have kicked out Dharmasena too.

 

[TeymurBlake]

Surprised Michael Gough was demoted. He's pretty good.

 

[nish_mate]

I can't believe that Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula is still on the panel. He is a terrible umpire. Joel Wilson might have been the worst of all, so glad to see he has been dropped from the panel. I would have kicked out Dharmasena too.

BD chap is the token DEI quota.....

 

[pillionrider]

Sharfuddoula had a great game (2nd Test, Ind vs Eng) barring one weird mistake towards the end. Seems like a bright light as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned. And for fans like @sweep_shot who must be having a hard day today, and the thought of having to pick yourself up and go to work tomorrow

 

[sweep_shot]

Sharfuddoula had a great game (2nd Test, Ind vs Eng) barring one weird mistake towards the end. Seems like a bright light as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned. And for fans like @sweep_shot who must be having a hard day today, and the thought of having to pick yourself up and go to work tomorrow

I was surprised when Sharfuddoula made it to ICC elite panel. First Bangladeshi umpire to do so.

He has been a good umpire. His only blunder was when he let Jaiswal do a review after 15 seconds.

Not a hard day at all. I expect India to lose the series.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

I was surprised when Sharfuddoula made it to ICC elite panel. First Bangladeshi umpire to do so.

He has been a good umpire. His only blunder was when he let Jaiswal do a review after 15 seconds.

Not a hard day at all. I expect India to lose the series.

Very Good umpire id say currently hes the best Umpire from the Sub continent