Overview
- The BCCI confirmed on Sept 17 that it has resolved to revise match fees for domestic umpires and match referees for the 2026‑27 season, the change announced by secretary Devajit Saikia.
- The board will replace the current panel with a four‑grade system labeled A, B, C and D, with Grades A and B reserved for senior domestic competitions and Grades C and D for junior tournaments.
- Implementation is tied to the domestic calendar and will take effect when the season resumes after the Duleep Trophy, with the Ranji Trophy scheduled to start on October 11, 2026.
- The BCCI has not published the new daily fee rates or clarified whether match referees will be paid under the same matrix; current reported rates are Rs 40,000 a day for the top 20 umpires, Rs 30,000 for other panel umpires and Rs 20,000 for T20s.
- Officials stand to gain clearer assignment rules and career progression, and the key next developments to watch are the board’s formal fee schedule and how match referees are integrated into the new structure.