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#Post#: 103291--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2026/27 Elite and Emerging Panel Predictions
DIR By: UmpireIan49
Date: March 27, 2026, 5:34 am
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In reference as to who may step up to the plate for English
representation on the Supplementary ICC panel, I understand that
Martin Saggers and Mike Burns are due to come off the list at
the end of this English summer.
Graham Lloyd has another season left in him, so the likely
replacements for the above two umpires could be James
Middlebrook, Rob White, and I’ll throw in Tom Lungley as an
outside chance.
Russell Warren keeps his place.
#Post#: 103292--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2026/27 Elite and Emerging Panel Predictions
DIR By: UmpireIan49
Date: March 27, 2026, 5:38 am
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With reference to the whereabouts of Neil Mallender, he was
seriously ill during the 2024 season and so wasn’t seen much
towards the end of that season.
He came back last year and umpired some 2nd XI and Women’s
matches. As I understand, he has stepped down from his role as
an ECB umpire. He is currently 64 years old so would only have
had another season to go in any event. His health quite rightly
has taken priority.
#Post#: 103294--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2026/27 Elite and Emerging Panel Predictions
DIR By: Claretman
Date: March 27, 2026, 6:47 am
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--- Quote from: UmpireIan49 link ---
>
> With reference to the whereabouts of Neil Mallender, he was
seriously ill during the 2024 season and so wasn’t seen much
towards the end of that season.
>
> He came back last year and umpired some 2nd XI and Women’s
matches. As I understand, he has stepped down from his role as
an ECB umpire. He is currently 64 years old so would only have
had another season to go in any event. His health quite rightly
has taken priority.
>
--- End Quote ---
My earlier comments re Neil, rarely be seen in summer months,
was a play on words with his nickname the ghost.
Wishing Neil all the best for the future healthwise, he will be
missed on the county circuit.
#Post#: 103529--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2026/27 Elite and Emerging Panel Predictions
DIR By: Alf1986
Date: April 2, 2026, 4:22 pm
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Given we’re now into April and any changes to the elite panel in
recent years have been announced in March, can we assume there
will be no changes to the panel for the 2026-27 season? The last
time there were no changes (2022-23) there was no announcement
and you’d think there’s unlikely to be anything from the ICC
over Easter.
I’m still expecting changes to the emerging panel but they’re
not usually announced so I guess we’ll have to wait for the
unreliable ICC website to be updated. For what it’s worth I
reckon Chris Brown will lose his place to Leslie Reiffer.
On another note, how much longer can Illingworth go on. He’s 63
in August and I’m assuming umpires in England still have to
retire by 65, which gives him 2 years at the most. I don’t think
that will be enough to get him to 100 tests if that’s what he is
aiming for.
#Post#: 103530--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2026/27 Elite and Emerging Panel Predictions
DIR By: Mackem ref
Date: April 2, 2026, 4:36 pm
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I think you are probably right about no elite changes - we’ll
see in coming appointments potentially if there are any emerging
changes.
It could well be that Tucker may leave once he’s reached 100
tests and get replaced after a different time of year (similar
to Taufel after the world t20 final in October)
#Post#: 103534--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2026/27 Elite and Emerging Panel Predictions
DIR By: 2ndcity95
Date: April 3, 2026, 5:33 am
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It’s only been post Covid that the Elite Panel has been
announced in March. Before that the Elite Panel was announced at
various times during the English summer.
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