BCCI Substantially Hikes Match Fees for Domestic Umpires and Referees, Introduces Merit Grading

In a major administrative reform for domestic cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a substantial revision in match fees for domestic umpires and match referees starting from the 2026-27 season. Speaking after the board's 95th Annual General Meeting in Mumbai, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that officiating fees have been overhauled for the first time since the 2017-18 season to better reward and support domestic match officials.

Under the newly approved structure, domestic umpires will be classified into four distinct categories—Grades A, B, C, and D—replacing the previous A+, A, B, and C framework. Daily match fees for Grade A umpires officiating in senior domestic competitions such as the Ranji Trophy have been raised to ₹60,000, while Grade B officials will receive ₹50,000 per day. Grades C and D, reserved primarily for junior domestic tournaments, will pay ₹40,000 and ₹35,000 per day respectively. Furthermore, the BCCI has implemented a merit-based promotion and relegation mechanism. An evaluation team under the BCCI Umpires Board will assess performance throughout the season, allowing top-performing umpires to be promoted while underperforming officials face relegation, ensuring greater accountability across Indian cricket.