Explained: How the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires is different from the International Panel

In cricket, umpires play a crucial role in ensuring fair play, and the ICC has two primary panels for selecting match officials: the Elite Panel of Umpires and the International Panel of Umpires. While both groups oversee international matches, there are key differences in their selection, responsibilities, and match assignments.

What is the International Panel?

The International Panel features a larger pool of umpires nominated by the 12 Test-playing cricket boards. These officials typically officiate in bilateral ODIs and T20Is, especially when the home team is playing. They are also appointed as TV umpires and fourth umpires in Test matches. Unlike the Elite Panel, members of the International Panel often balance domestic officiating duties alongside their international assignments. The International Panel for umpires was established in 1994 so that one neutral umpire would stand in every Test match.

What is the Elite Panel?

The Elite Panel consists of the top-ranked umpires globally, selected by the ICC based on their performance, consistency, and experience. These officials predominantly stand in Test matches and high-profile limited-overs fixtures, including ICC tournaments. Members of this panel are full-time professionals contracted by the ICC, allowing them to focus solely on officiating international cricket.

The panel was first established in 2002 when the ICC decided that both umpires in a Test match and at least one umpire in an ODI had to be neutral.

Full list of Elite Panel umpires

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