West Indian umpire Joel Wilson has been removed from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) annual review and selection process. Wilson, along with England’s Michael Gough, has made way for two new inductees, Allahuddien Paleker of South Africa and Alex Wharf of England.

The Trinidadian Wilson, who was promoted to the prestigious panel in 2019, officiated at the highest level for several years. However, the ICC has opted for a change, drafting in Paleker and Wharf, both of whom have considerable experience as part of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires.

The 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, made the decision as part of the annual review process.

ICC Chair Jay Shah acknowledged the high standards required to maintain a spot on the panel, as he praised both Paleker and Wharf for their skill and temperament.

“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,” Shah said.

Shah also extended gratitude to Wilson and Gough for their service over the years.

“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," he added.

Paleker had been on the International Panel since 2017 and Wharf since 2018, steadily building their credentials before earning promotion to cricket’s most prestigious umpiring group.