Archive · 18 Sep 2026
BCCI Raises Umpire Fees, Adds Merit-Based Domestic Cricket Reviews
The BCCI has changed how cricket umpires are paid and evaluated.
Umpires will now be placed in four groups named A, B, C and D. Their daily payments are higher than before.
Match referees will also receive revised fees.
An umpires board will watch how officials perform during the season.
Strong performers can move up to a higher group.
Officials who do not perform well can move down.
The BCCI also introduced new rules against age fraud.
State cricket groups were asked to support cricketers with physical disabilities.
The BCCI has restructured domestic umpire categories from A+, A, B and C to A, B, C and D.
Revised umpire fees are Rs 60,000, Rs 50,000, Rs 40,000 and Rs 35,000 per day for grades A through D.
An umpires board will assess officials and use merit-based promotion and relegation after each season.
Match referee fees have also been increased and their fee structure revised, though exact amounts were not provided.
The BCCI issued new age-fraud policies and SOPs and asked state associations to support physically challenged cricketers.
- Who
- The Board of Control for Cricket in India, its secretary Devajit Saikia, umpires, match referees and state cricket associations.
- What
- The BCCI increased officiating fees, reorganized umpire categories and introduced merit-based promotion and relegation.
- When
- The changes were announced after the BCCI AGM on Friday; Saikia said the Sports Act matter is listed for October 27, and the IPL is expected to begin at the end of March 2027.
- Where
- The decisions were discussed at the BCCI AGM in Mumbai and apply to domestic cricket and state-affiliated units.
- Why
- The BCCI said the reforms are intended to improve officiating competence, accountability and alertness, while also addressing age fraud and inclusion.
- New umpire categories
- A, B, C and D
- Revised daily umpire fees
- Rs 60,000 for A, Rs 50,000 for B, Rs 40,000 for C and Rs 35,000 for D
- Previous senior domestic fees
- The article says the top two grades paid Rs 40,000 and Rs 30,000 per day; T20 officials received Rs 20,000 per day.
- Assessment system
- An umpires board will assess officials and assign postings according to merit.
- Promotion and relegation
- At the end of each season, high-performing umpires can be upgraded and underperforming officials downgraded.
- Other measures
- New age-fraud policies and SOPs were issued, and state associations were asked to support physically challenged cricketers.
- National Sports Governance Act
- The BCCI said it will act once a notification designates cricket under the Act.