Indian cricket could be on the verge of a significant behind-the-scenes overhaul, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) considering sweeping changes to its umpiring system. Recent reports suggest the country’s apex cricket body is reviewing the current structure amid growing concerns over consistency and performance.
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A detailed proposal has already been submitted to the BCCI, calling for a comprehensive revamp of the umpiring framework. However, rather than rushing into a decision, the board is understood to be weighing the formation of a dedicated committee to closely examine the recommendations before implementing any major reforms.
BCCI considers major revamp of India’s umpiring structure
Pressure has been mounting on the BCCI as calls grow louder to address long-standing issues within India’s umpiring system. Three members of the Umpires Committee — Sudhir Asnani, K Hariharan and Amish Saheba have strongly pushed for a complete overhaul, highlighting deep-rooted flaws that they believe can no longer be ignored.
Despite the urgency, the BCCI appears in no hurry to take an immediate call. According to reports, the matter has been kept on hold and will be revisited at the next Apex Council meeting. Confirming the development, a BCCI source told Cricbuzz, “The matter has been kept in abeyance. It will be taken up at the next Apex Council meeting.”
India’s umpiring pool currently consists of 186 officials spread across four categories — nine in A+, 20 in A, 58 in B, and 99 in C. In its report, the Umpires Committee flagged a growing imbalance, claiming that several umpires from the lower categories have outperformed those in the elite groups.
“In previous years, A+ and A umpires were assigned to key and knockout matches. However, over the last two seasons, performances from many umpires in these groups have fallen short. As a result, better-performing umpires from the B and C groups were entrusted with important matches and delivered as expected,” the committee noted.
The existing promotion and demotion system has also come under fire. Currently, movement between categories follows a fixed ratio — A+ to A (1), A to B (2), and B to C (5), and vice versa. The committee believes this formula is outdated and ineffective, especially since non-performing umpires continue to occupy top tiers while deserving officials from lower groups struggle to move up.
Pay gap controversy adds to the debate
Beyond performance-based concerns, the disparity in match fees has further fuelled the debate. Under the current structure, A+ and A umpires earn ₹40,000 per day, while B and C umpires receive ₹30,000 — even when officiating the same match.
The committee strongly opposed this system, pointing out the contradiction of paying different amounts for identical responsibilities. “It becomes difficult to mix umpires from different categories when two officials doing the same job are paid differently. Ironically, a better-performing umpire can end up earning less,” the report stated.
To address the issue, the committee has proposed a uniform pay structure for all umpires, along with performance-based incentives. Under the suggestion, standout performers could earn up to ₹50,000 per day for exceptional officiating. The proposal is now with the BCCI, which is yet to take a final decision.
