Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: International Cricket Council on Monday retained an unchanged list of match officials for the 2026-27 international season, with Nitin Menon continuing as the only Indian in the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.Following its annual review, the ICC decided to stick with the existing group of elite umpires and match referees after a comprehensive assessment by the governing body’s Umpire Selection Panel.
Menon, who became part of the Elite Panel in 2020, remains India’s lone representative among the top-ranked international umpires. Former India pacer Javagal Srinath also retained his place as the only Indian in the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.“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,” ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said in a release.“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.”The Umpire Selection Panel consisted of ICC General Manager – Cricket Wasim Khan, former English Premier League referee Mike Riley, former international umpire and umpire coach Peter Manuel, and former India batter and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar.The panel reviewed the performances of umpires and referees from across international cricket before deciding to retain the existing line-up for the upcoming season.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).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).
