South Africa's Allahudien Paleker promoted to ICC's elite panel of umpires

Paleker and England's Alex Wharf were picked by a selection panel consisting of ICC General Manager â- Cricket, Wasim Khan (Chair), former English Premier League referee Mike Riley, former international umpire and umpire coach Peter Manuel and former India 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.

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.

"This is a significant moment in my umpiring career," Paleker said. "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."

ICC chairman Jay Shah added: "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."

READ MORE: IPL: Faf du Plessis spending the 'last chapter of the book' with Delhi Capitals