How Much Does a Cricket Umpire Get Paid? Umpires Salaries, Match Fees and Earnings in ICC Cricket, IPL and Domestic Cricket

Cricket umpires play a pivotal role in any match by officiating play and making critical decisions. But not many fans are aware of cricket umpire salaries and match payments at various levels.

As we explore this topic in detail, you’ll get answers to questions like:

• How Much Does A Cricket Umpire Get Paid?
• What is the average salary of an ICC elite panel umpire?
• How much money does an umpire make per IPL or international match?
• What additional earnings do umpires have?

By the end of this guide, you’ll have complete clarity on the earning potential and pay structure of umpires in international, IPL, and domestic cricket.

Role of a Cricket Umpire

Before we dive into salary details, let’s discuss the role of cricket umpires. Umpires are responsible for overseeing the cricket match and making sure all rules are followed fairly.

Their main roles are:

• Officiate play and adjudicate decisions by signaling runs, wickets, etc.
• Determine if a batsman is out after an appeal by the fielding team.
• Ensure cricket regulations and code of conduct are followed by teams.
• Inspect the condition of the pitch, balls, player equipment, etc, before play.
• Engage a third umpire for reviews and decide on DRS calls.
• Keep track of match score, timing, number of overs, etc.
• Report any issues like disputes, foul play, unruly spectator behavior, etc.

Based on match level, umpires are ranked as international, first-class, List A, and local league umpires. Elite umpires also compete in global leagues like IPL and PSL and have high salary potential.

Now let’s look at how much money different cricket umpires actually make from their job.

How Much Does A Cricket Umpire Get Paid?

Salaries for ICC cricket umpires vary significantly based on their panel status, the type of match, and their role in the game (on-field, third umpire, or match referee). Elite Panel umpires can earn a substantial annual salary along with match fees for each game they officiate. These match fees differ for Tests, ODIs, and T20s, reflecting the varying levels of responsibility and effort required across formats.

ICC Elite Panel Umpires Salaries and Match Fees

The pinnacle for any umpire is to make it to the ICC Elite Panel. This panel consists of 12 top-class umpires picked to officiate in Test matches and ODIs around the world.

According to ICC, the retainer contract for elite panel umpires is US $40,000 per year. On top of it, they receive match fees of $450 per day when officiating in Tests and $250 per ODI.

For instance, during the 2021 India vs England Test series comprising 4 matches, on-field umpires like Bruce Oxenford and Richard Illingworth made around $7,200 each from match payments (including travel allowance). Match referee Chris Broad would have made around $8,100 during the same series.

During IPL season, BCCI pays elite umpires ₹40 lakh rupees ($52,000) for officiating 60 matches. They are also provided 5-star accommodation & business class flights. Top umpires can easily make $95,000 – $100,000 during the 2-month IPL season through match payments.

Over an entire year between the IPL, ICC World Cup and tournaments, and the Test championship, the top-earning elite umpires make $200,000 to $250,000 annually. Their income is much higher than that of first-class cricketers in many countries.

Pay Scale of International Umpires

There are 22 international umpires officiating in T20Is, ODIs, and Test matches, apart from the elite 12. The cricket boards pay the top-level umpires an average salary in the range of $70,000 to $100,000.

In 2021-22, Australian test umpires Gerard Abood and Paul Wilson had retainers of $84,000 from Cricket Australia. This ensures financial stability for umpires despite the ad hoc nature of match appointments.

The specific match fee differs based on the playing country, but on average, international umpires make between $750 and $2000 per international match. They are also provided with business class travel and 5-star accommodation.

So international umpires have very comfortable salary packages plus the prestige of officiating top level cricket globally.

Domestic Cricket Umpires Payment Structure

First-class cricket umpires are full-time professionals contracted by their country’s board or provincial association.

• The base salary of first-class umpires ranges from $25,000 to $60,000, depending on years of experience and the country’s market rates. A match fee is paid in addition to base pay.
• In England county cricket, umpires earn around £40,000 to £70,000 annually in retainers. Match payments take total earnings over six figures for senior umpires.

In Australia’s Sheffield Shield, umpires make $550 per day as match payment from Cricket Australia on top of annual salary from state associations.

So, while earnings are lower compared to international umpires, first-class officials still have decent full-time salaries and match fees per game.

Pay for Local and Non-Professional Umpires

At local league level, match payments are the only source of umpire earnings. Rates vary based on playing standards but typically –

• Local club umpires may receive $50 to $100 per match day in amateur leagues. There is no retainer or annual salary.
• For provincial/state level matches, earnings range from $75 to $150 per day, plus travel reimbursements in some cases.

While not a lavish full-time profession, local umpires can supplement income with match payments. Some may balance umpiring alongside a primary job or business.

With experience, top performers can make their way to first-class and international level for better pay.

ICC Cricket Umpire Salaries vs. Domestic Cricket Umpires

The gap between ICC Elite Panel umpires and those officiating in domestic cricket is substantial. Domestic umpires, while essential to the sport’s grassroots level, often receive lower match fees and annual salaries. This section explores the differences in compensation and the factors influencing these disparities.

Elite International Cricket Umpires vs. The Rest Cricket Umpire Earnings

The financial difference between umpires on the ICC Elite Panel and those not on the panel is notable. Elite umpires benefit from higher match fees, annual salaries, and the opportunity to officiate in prestigious tournaments. This section examines the factors contributing to this gap and the implications for aspiring umpires.

Additional Earnings for Umpires

Apart from base salary and match fees, umpires also have additional sources of cricket income:

Sponsorships: Top umpires clinch equipment, apparel and bat deals just like players. Elite umpires can earn $100,000+ solely from sponsorship contracts.

IPL Gigs: The two-month IPL season provides lucrative umpiring opportunities. The fee can be as high as ₹3 to 4 lakh per game.

TV Commentary: Retired umpires like Simon Taufel and K Hariharan regularly feature as umpiring experts on TV channels.

Coaching: Ex-umpires conduct training programs on umpiring techniques and rules to supplement post-retirement income.

Sponsorships and Endorsements: Extra Income Streams

In addition to their official earnings, some top umpires also receive sponsorships and endorsements, adding an extra layer to their income. While not as common as player endorsements, these deals can be lucrative for the umpires involved, offering financial benefits beyond the cricket field.

Leading Umpires in International and League Cricket

Some of the most well-known umpires handling important Test matches and high-profile T20 leagues are:

• Aleem Dar is the most capped ICC umpire from Pakistan. He has vast international and IPL experience and has umpired a record 397 international games.
• The elite panel of ICC umpires features the very best, like Richard Illingworth, Bruce Oxenford, and Marais Erasmus.
• Kumar Dharmasena was the ICC’s umpire of the year in 2018. He famously officiated the thrilling 2019 World Cup final.
• Experienced umpires like Paul Reiffel, Christopher Gaffaney, and Nigel Llong regularly handle T20 internationals.
• Indian umpire Nitin Menon has had a meteoric rise in the ICC elite panel and is regarded among the top umpires globally.
• Kumar has been a respected figure in IPL matches with his sharp decision-making skills.

These umpires represent the highest level of the profession today. Their expertise continues to ensure fair play in Test cricket and fast-paced T20 matches.

Key Takeaways

• ICC’s elite panel umpires have an annual salary of $40,000 + match fees per series/tournament.
• Top umpires at elite level make $200,000 to $250,000 yearly from officiating cricket.
• International umpires have central contracts of $70,000 to $100,000 plus match payments.
• First class umpires in counties and domestic cricket earn $25,000 to $60,000 as base pay.
• Amateur umpires only get paid a match fee between $50 to $150 per game on average.
• Additional income from sponsorships, IPL, commentary, and coaching.

So, while umpiring is a demanding job, the potential for good earnings is certainly there from amateur to international levels.

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