BCCI set to raise pay of domestic umpires, match referees from new season

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to enhance the remuneration for domestic cricket match officials, including umpires and referees, for the upcoming domestic season. This decision will come into effect from the 2026-27 season, which will commence after the Duleep Trophy and the Ranji Trophy, the premier red-ball domestic competition, commences on October 11.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to TOI on Thursday that the BCCI has decided to revise the pay structure for domestic umpires and match referees. Furthermore, the BCCI has also announced plans to restructure the panel of domestic umpires. According to a source, the BCCI has introduced a gradation system for domestic umpires, categorizing them into four grades - A, B, C, and D.

Umpires in grades A and B will be designated to officiate in senior domestic tournaments, while those in grades C and D will be assigned to junior tournaments. Currently, the top 20 domestic umpires receive a daily fee of Rs 40,000, whereas the remaining umpires receive Rs 30,000 per day. For T20 matches, the per-day fee is set at Rs 20,000. These officials also receive a daily allowance of Rs 1,500 for matches played outside their home state and between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 for local matches.