A major financial and administrative shake-up is heading to Indian domestic cricket. Ahead of its Annual General Meeting on September 18, 2026, at the board's headquarters, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that match referees and domestic umpires will receive a revised pay structure alongside a complete reorganization of the officiating panel.
BCCI to introduce graded pay system and salary raise for domestic match officials
The newly outlined financial terms and structural changes are set to take effect as the 2026-27 domestic calendar picks back up following the Duleep Trophy. Umpires and referees will see the new pay scale officially kick in when the Ranji Trophy commences on October 11, 2026. Speaking to the Times of India, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia affirmed the upcoming changes, highlighting that the board has formally resolved to revamp both the compensation model and the internal panel setup for domestic match officials starting this season.
ALSO READ: Big blow to Pakistan, star player flies back home in middle of Asian Games; know why
Beyond the financial adjustments, the board is overhauling its officiating hierarchy by scrapping the current panel framework in favor of a distinct four-tier grading system. This reform aims to establish a transparent boundary between officials assigned to high-stakes senior tournaments and those managing grassroots competitions, providing umpires with a defined career path within the domestic setup.
The newly established matrix places senior domestic fixtures, including flagship events like the Ranji Trophy, under the purview of Grades A and B. Conversely, Grades C and D will consist of match officials handling junior-level matches, ensuring that assignment distribution aligns directly with experience and performance.
Going by the report, the officiating pool will be neatly segregated into these four categories, emphasising that the top two tiers will exclusively oversee senior cricket while the lower two handle the junior circuit.
How does the current pay structure function?
A look at the existing compensation framework provides essential context for the scale of the upcoming pay raise. Currently, India's top 20 domestic umpires command a daily match fee of Rs 40,000, whereas their remaining peers on the board's panel draw Rs 30,000 per day. When it comes to the shortest format, officials earn a standardized per-day rate of Rs 20,000 for T20 fixtures.
On top of their base match earnings, officials receive a daily stipend to cover routine expenses. Traveling umpires handling away matches get a per diem of Rs 1,500, while local officials officiating in their home region receive between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 daily. The BCCI has kept the exact figures for the 2026-27 pay hike under wraps for now. It also remains to be seen whether match referees will be integrated into this exact payment matrix or if a distinct compensation scheme will be created for them.