Overview
- The BCCI confirmed at its AGM that per‑day umpire fees will be set by grade at Rs 60,000 for A, Rs 50,000 for B, Rs 40,000 for C and Rs 35,000 for D.
- The board replaced the old panel with a four‑grade system that reserves Grades A and B for senior domestic tournaments and Grades C and D for junior competitions.
- An Umpires Board will assess officials and run a merit‑based promotion and relegation process that adjusts grades at the end of each season.
- The new pay and grading take effect for the 2026‑27 domestic season and will be operational from the Ranji Trophy starting on October 11, 2026, while details on match referees’ pay and state‑level rollout remain to be finalised.
- The overhaul ends nearly a decade without meaningful raises — top umpires previously earned Rs 40,000 per day — and is intended to boost officials’ incomes, clarify career paths, and raise accountability in domestic cricket.