Venkat was duly included in the inaugural Elite Panel, of which he remained a member until his retirement in January 2004.

He was subsequently expelled from the Elite Panel for the second time in his career in May 2011.

He later took up umpiring and spent time on the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires.

The best performing umpires may earn promotion to the Elite Panel.

The Elite Panel consists of:

He was a member of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires in 2004.

He is currently a member of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires.

Bucknor maintained a place on the Elite Panel since its foundation until his retirement.

It stands alongside, and is intended to offer a career path into, the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires.

As of January 2009, the Elite Panel includes eleven umpires.