The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to revise the pay structure for domestic umpires and match referees from the 2026-27 season. The decision was announced on September 17, 2026, ahead of the BCCI Annual General Meeting scheduled for September 18 at the board’s headquarters.
The new pay structure will come into effect when the domestic season resumes after the Duleep Trophy. The Ranji Trophy is scheduled to start on October 11. The changes will also bring a major restructuring of the domestic umpire panel.
“We have decided to revise the pay structure of domestic umpires and match referees from the 2026-27 domestic season. We have also decided to restructure the panel of domestic umpires,” BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told the Times of India.
Four-grade system to separate senior and junior officials
The BCCI will now divide domestic umpires into four grades. The new system will be known as Grades A, B, C and D.
Grades A and B will include officials working in senior domestic competitions. These tournaments include the Ranji Trophy. Grades C and D will cover umpires working in junior-level competitions.
“The domestic umpires will be divided into four grades-A, B, C and D. Grades A and B will be reserved for umpires officiating in senior domestic tournaments, while the other two grades will have umpires standing in junior tournaments,” a source said to TOI.
The new structure is expected to provide a clearer system for domestic officials. It could also help define their roles and career progression based on the level of cricket they officiate.
At present, the top 20 domestic umpires earn Rs 40,000 per day. Other umpires on the panel receive Rs 30,000 per day. For T20 matches, the existing fee is Rs 20,000 per day.
Umpires also receive daily allowances. Those travelling for outstation matches get Rs 1,500 per day. Local officials receive between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.
The BCCI has not yet announced the revised fee amounts. It is also unclear whether match referees will follow the same structure or receive separate fees.
