ICC promotes 2 umpires to its Elite Panel, retains Kumar Dharmasena despite World Cup final controversy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday, 30 July, named Michael Gough of England and Joel Wilson of the West Indies in the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for 2019-20 season following the annual review and selection process.

Promotion for Michael Gough and Joel Wilson

Gough and Wilson have been elevated from the Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires by the selection panel consisting of ICC General Manager - Cricket, Geoff Allardice, former player and now commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, and match referees Ranjan Madugalle and David Boon.

Both these umpires have gained significant experience at the international level with Gough having officiated in nine Tests, 59 ODIs and 14 T20Is and Wilson having stood in 13 Tests, 63 ODIs and 26 T20Is. They replace retired umpire Ian Gould and Ravi Sundaram who were part of the previous panel.

Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager  Umpires and Referees, said, "Being an elite official is an extremely challenging job. Every decision is scrutinized by millions of fans and each match official is subject to a rigorous ongoing performance assessment throughout the year."

"We are fortunate to have some fantastic officials who are able to withstand the pressures of the job and deliver consistently on the international stage. Michael and Joel are deserving additions to the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and I wish them all the best for the coming season and for the future."

READ | Cricket Fans Absolutely Appalled by World Cup Final Umpire Kumar Dharmasena's Big Mistake Admission, Tell Him What He Could Have Done 

Kumar Dharmasena still a part of elite panel despite World Cup debacle

The other members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires are Aleem Dar, Kumar Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Bruce Oxenford, Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker.

Kumar Dharmasena, the umpire who officiated the finals, made a huge admission about the controversial World Cup final between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground on 22 July. 

The Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees remains unchanged with David Boon, Chris Broad, Jeff Crowe, Ranjan Madugalle, Andy Pycroft, Richie Richardson and Javagal Srinath the seven officials on that list.

READ | World Cup 2019 | ICC Defends Kumar Dharmasena's Controversial Overthrow Call In The Finals