Palmer's first international appearances came during the 1983 Cricket World Cup, when he umpired four games. In 1992, he was appointed to his first Test match, the third match in the series between England and Pakistan at Old Trafford. At the end of the fourth day, he warned the Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed for intimidatory bowling against the England tail-ender, Devon Malcolm. Palmer then returned Aaqib's sweater to the bowler at the end of the over with what "Wisden Cricketers' Almanack" termed "more emphasis than usual, probably because it was caught in his belt". Aaqib and Pakistan captain Javed Miandad protested, and a supporter ran onto the pitch with a rolled-up newspaper, and was restrained by security staff. Match referee Conrad Hunte ruled in favour of Palmer, fined Aaqib half his match fee and censured Pakistan tour manager Intikhab Alam, who had told the press that Palmer had insulted his team. The International Cricket Council also censured Intikhab for repeating his remarks and refusing to apologise to Palmer.