New Delhi: The International Cricket Council on Monday retained the unchanged list of match officials for the 2026-27 international season. Nitin Menon Continuing as the only Indian on 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 following a comprehensive review by the governing body’s umpire selection panel.
Menon, who became part of the elite panel in 2020, is the only Indian representative among the top-ranked international umpires. Former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath also retained his place as the only Indian on 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 the responsibility 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 act with clarity and confidence in high-pressure situations across formats and conditions. This consistency reassures players, teams and fans alike.”“On behalf of the ICC, I would like to congratulate all the members of the panel on their re-election.”The umpire selection panel included ICC General Manager – Cricket Wasim Khan, former English Premier League referee Mike Reilly, former international umpire and umpire coach Peter Manuel, and former India batsman and commentator Sanjay Manjrikar.The panel reviewed the performance of all international cricket umpires and referees before deciding whether to retain the current line-up for the upcoming season.ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees (2026-27): Jeff Crowe (New Zealand), Ranjan Madugale (Sri Lanka), Andrew Pycroft (Zimbabwe), Richie Richardson (West Indies), Jugal Srinath (India).ICC Elite Panel of Umpires (2026-27): Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka), Christopher Gifani (New Zealand), Adrian Holdstock (South Africa), Richard Illingworth (England), Richard Kettleborough (England), Nitin Menon (India), Allahuddin Palikar (Africa), Paulistan (Africa), Umpires (Africa). (Australia), Sharaf-ud-Daula Ibn Shahid (Bangladesh), Rodney Tucker (Australia), Alex Wharf (England).
