TEST: EMIRATES ICC ELITE PANEL OF MATCH OFFICIALS UNCHANGED FOR 2026 - 2027 SEASON

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed that the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees will remain unchanged for the 2026-2027 international cricket season, following its annual review and selection process.

After a comprehensive assessment conducted by the ICC’s Umpire Selection Panel, it has been determined that the current group of elite umpires will continue in their roles, reflecting the organisation’s satisfaction with their strong contribution over the past year.

The decision reflects the ICC’s commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence, with the panels’ consistency and high standards demonstrated by members at the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and in men’s bilateral cricket across the previous calendar year.

The umpires’ outstanding on-field performances, professionalism, decision-making accuracy, and third umpiring have contributed significantly to the quality and integrity of international cricket.

The Umpire Selection Panel, comprising ICC General Manager – Cricket Wasim Khan (Chair), former English Premier League referee Mike Riley, former international umpire and umpire coach Peter Manuel, and former international player and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, considered the performances of umpires and referees from across the international game before deciding to retain the existing panel.

Similarly, the concurrent ICC management review of the elite referees showed that their management and leadership had been strong across the year.

ICC CEO, Sanjog Gupta said: “The decision to retain the Emirates ICC Elite Panels for the 2026-27 season reflects the consistency and high standards that have come to define officiating at the international level. Over the past year, the panels have demonstrated a strong blend of accuracy, composure and professionalism, which is critical to maintaining the integrity of the game. 

“What stands out is not just the quality of decision-making, but the ability to operate with clarity and confidence in high-pressure situations, across formats and conditions. That consistency provides assurance to players, teams and fans alike.

“On behalf of the ICC, I would like to congratulate all members of the panels on their re-selection. Their performances over the past season have fully justified this continuity, and we look forward to seeing them build further on these standards in the year ahead.”

Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees (2026-27): Jeff Crowe (New Zealand), Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka), Andrew Pycroft (Zimbabwe), Richie Richardson (West Indies), Javagal Srinath (India).

Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires (2026-27): 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).

ENDS