The absence of an Indian on the ICC [Images] Elite panel of umpires was conspicuous after it was expanded from seven to 10 on Friday following an annual review of performance.

England's [Images] Mark Benson, Billy Doctrove of the West Indies [Images] and Asad Rauf of Pakistan have been added to the panel, the International Cricket Council said in a statement.

The composition of the panel was determined by Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar [Images], the chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee, along with ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed [Images].

The last Indian umpire on the Elite panel was former Test captain and spinner S Venkataraghavan, whose final assignment was during Australia's visit to Sri Lanka [Images] in March 2003.

The percentage of correct decisions given as well as reports from captains and match referees formed the criteria for selection.

David Richardson, a former Test cricketer and ICC General Manager � Cricket, justified the reasons for the elevation of those named on the panel.

"It is important to remember that just as umpires only make it onto the Elite panel by proving they are excellent officials, they only retain their place if they can maintain these high standards on a consistent basis from year to year.

"The ICC will be doing everything it can to support them along the way," he said.

The Elite panel of umpires: Mark Benson (England), Billy Bowden (New Zealand [Images]), Steve Bucknor [Images] and Billy Doctrove (West Indies), Simon Taufel, Darrell Hair and Daryl Harper (Australia), Rudi Koertzen (South Africa), Aleem Dar and Asad Rauf (Pakistan).