The pay hike for domestic umpires and match referees is one of the key decisions approved by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in September 2026. The board has revised the payment structure for domestic match officials and introduced a new four-grade classification for umpires.
The changes were approved at the BCCI’s 95th Annual General Meeting in Mumbai on September 18, 2026. The official BCCI release confirms that its General Body approved an enhanced payment structure for umpires and match referees along with the reclassification of grades.
The decision follows a long period without a major revision to domestic umpire and match-referee fees. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the umpire categories have also been restructured, with performance-based promotion and relegation forming part of the new system.
Table of Contents
What is the new BCCI umpire pay structure?
Under the revised system, domestic umpires will be divided into four grades: A, B, C and D.
According to statements reported after the BCCI AGM, the revised per-day payments are:
| Umpire Grade | Revised Daily Fee |
|---|---|
| Grade A | ₹60,000 |
| Grade B | ₹50,000 |
| Grade C | ₹40,000 |
| Grade D | ₹35,000 |
These figures were reported following comments from BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. The previous structure had four categories — A+, A, B and C — and the new system changes these to A, B, C and D.
Before the revision, reports stated that umpires in the top two grades of senior domestic competitions received ₹40,000 and ₹30,000 per day respectively, while the fee for T20 matches was ₹20,000 per day.
The revised Grade A figure therefore represents a substantial increase compared with the previously reported top rate.
How has BCCI restructured the pay structure for umpires and referees?
The restructuring has two main parts: higher payments and a new grading system.
Previously, domestic umpires were classified as A+, A, B and C. BCCI has now reorganized them into four grades — A, B, C and D. The new daily rates reported after the AGM range from ₹35,000 for Grade D to ₹60,000 for Grade A.
The board has also revised the payment structure for match referees. However, the BCCI’s official AGM release does not publish the exact new match-referee fee slabs, and the statements reported after the meeting also did not specify the new amounts. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to state a particular revised match-referee fee as confirmed BCCI information at this stage.
The restructuring is intended to connect officiating assignments and progression more closely with performance assessment.
Does BCCI pay umpires based on merit?
Yes. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said umpire postings will be determined according to merit through an assessment team working under the umpires board.
The system also introduces promotion and relegation between grades.
At the end of each domestic season, umpires who perform well can be upgraded to the next level, while officials at higher levels whose performance is considered unsatisfactory can be downgraded. Saikia indicated that around 10 umpires could be upgraded from each grade as part of the system.
This means the new structure is not simply a fixed four-level salary system. An umpire’s performance during the season can affect both assignments and grade progression.
Will BCCI increase match fees for umpires?
Yes. BCCI has approved an enhanced payment structure for domestic umpires.
The board’s official September 18 AGM release confirms that the General Body approved the enhanced payment structure for umpires and match referees. Reports following the AGM specify the revised umpire rates as ₹60,000, ₹50,000, ₹40,000 and ₹35,000 per day for Grades A, B, C and D respectively.
The change follows a period of nearly a decade without a revision. Saikia said the previous umpire fee structure had remained in place since 2017-18.
What was the previous domestic umpire payment?
Before the latest revision, reports stated that the top 20 domestic umpires were receiving ₹40,000 per day, while other BCCI domestic umpires were receiving ₹30,000 per day.
For T20 matches, the reported daily fee was ₹20,000. Officials working away from their home location were also reported to receive a daily allowance of ₹1,500, while local officials received allowances ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,000.
The exact application of allowances under the new structure should be treated separately from the newly announced umpire match-fee slabs because the BCCI’s official AGM announcement did not provide a detailed allowance schedule.
Why has BCCI introduced promotion and relegation?
The new system links umpire progression more closely to performance.
Under the system described by Saikia, an assessment team will evaluate umpires and their merit will influence match assignments. At the end of the season, officials can move up or down the grading structure depending on their performance.
The stated objective is to maintain a high level of alertness and competence among match officials throughout the domestic season.
This is particularly relevant because umpire decisions can directly affect the outcome of individual matches and, in some cases, players’ progression through domestic cricket.
When will the revised structure apply?
The revised structure is being introduced for the 2026-27 domestic season.
The announcement came just before the start of the next phase of the domestic season, with the Ranji Trophy scheduled to begin on October 11, 2026.
The BCCI had announced the intention to revise the pay structure on September 17, followed by formal approval of the enhanced payment structure and grade reclassification at the September 18 AGM.
What does the change mean for domestic match officials?
The revised structure changes both the financial and performance framework for domestic umpires.
For umpires, the key changes are:
- Four new grades: A, B, C and D.
- Revised daily fees ranging from ₹35,000 to ₹60,000.
- Match assignments based on assessment of merit.
- Promotion and relegation based on performance.
- Seasonal reassessment of umpire grades.
For match referees, BCCI has also approved an enhanced and revised payment structure, although the exact new fee amounts have not been publicly detailed in the official AGM release. BCCI
Frequently Asked Questions
How has the BCCI restructured the pay structure for umpires & referees?
BCCI has replaced the previous A+, A, B and C umpire categories with four grades — A, B, C and D. The reported daily umpire fees are ₹60,000, ₹50,000, ₹40,000 and ₹35,000 respectively. BCCI has also revised the payment structure for match referees, although the official AGM announcement does not specify their new fee amounts.
Does BCCI approve a pay hike for domestic umpires and referees?
Yes. The BCCI General Body approved an enhanced payment structure for umpires and match referees at its 95th Annual General Meeting on September 18, 2026.
Does BCCI pay umpires based on merit?
Yes. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said umpire postings will be made according to merit following assessment by a team under the umpires board. The system also provides for promotion and relegation based on performance.
Will BCCI increase match fees for umpires?
Yes. BCCI has approved higher payments for domestic umpires. The reported new daily rates are ₹60,000 for Grade A, ₹50,000 for Grade B, ₹40,000 for Grade C and ₹35,000 for Grade D.
Conclusion
The pay hike for domestic umpires and match referees marks a significant change in BCCI’s domestic officiating structure. Umpires will now be classified into four grades, with reported daily fees ranging from ₹35,000 to ₹60,000, while match referees will also receive a revised payment structure.
The other major change is the introduction of a merit-based system for umpire assignments, promotion and relegation. The new framework is therefore not limited to increasing fees; it also creates a more performance-oriented grading structure for domestic officials.
