The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the retention of its elite panel of match officials for the 2026-27 international season, with Nitin Menon continuing as the sole Indian representative among the elite umpires. The decision, made after the ICC's annual review and assessment by the Umpire Selection Panel, keeps the existing group of elite umpires and match referees unchanged.
Nitin Menon and Javagal Srinath Retained
Nitin Menon, who joined the Elite Panel of Umpires in 2020, remains India's lone representative in the top tier of international umpires. Former India pacer Javagal Srinath has also retained his position as the only Indian on the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta praised the officials, stating, "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." He added that the officials' ability to operate with clarity and confidence in high-pressure situations across formats provides assurance to players, teams, and fans.
Umpire Selection Panel
The Umpire Selection Panel, comprising ICC General Manager Cricket Wasim Khan, former English Premier League referee Mike Riley, former umpire and coach Peter Manuel, and former India batter and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, reviewed performances before deciding to retain the existing line-up.
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)
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