Do umpires make a lot of money? Who is the highest-paid umpire?
Umpires have a crucial role in cricket matches, and their salaries in the Indian Premier League (IPL) reflect the tournament’s financial success. The IPL has become one of the top sports leagues globally, surpassing the English Premier League (EPL) in revenue recently. A significant factor in this growth is the rise of international online cricket betting apps, which contribute millions of dollars to the IPL.
This surge in income benefits the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and everyone involved in the league. While players have seen their financial situations improve, umpires have also gained significantly. Let’s take a closer look at the salaries of IPL umpires.
Being an umpire is not an easy job. They must stay alert and monitor every aspect of the game. In the IPL, umpires are categorized into two groups: elite umpires and developmental umpires.
Elite umpires are those on the International Cricket Council (ICC) elite panel. They are the most experienced umpires, and their salaries reflect their expertise.
Developmental umpires, on the other hand, officiate at regional levels and primarily in domestic matches.
Salaries for Elite Umpires
For elite umpires, the salary in IPL 2024 is USD 2,650, which is about INR 198,000 per match. This is an increase from INR 175,000 per match in the previous season. They also receive a daily allowance of INR 12,500 for travel and accommodations.
Salaries for Developmental Umpires
Developmental umpires earn USD 790, or roughly INR 59,000 per match. They also saw a pay increase in IPL 2024, as they made INR 40,000 per match last season. However, these umpires do not receive a daily allowance.
Top Five Highest-Paid Umpires in the IPL
S.No
Umpire
Fee/Match (INR)
Sponsorship (INR)
1
Anil Chaudhary
₹198,000
₹733,000
2
C. Shamshuddin
₹198,000
₹733,000
3
Christopher Gaffaney
₹198,000
₹733,000
4
Nitin Menon
₹198,000
₹733,000
5
Paul Reiffel
₹198,000
₹733,000
Umpire Earnings from Sponsorships in IPL
Besides their match fees, umpires also earn from sponsorships in the league. Various brands are eager to partner with officials, and by the end of the IPL season, umpires can receive ₹733,000 from these sponsorships.
Contract Salaries for Umpires in IPL
Umpires also have fixed salaries in the IPL, which depend on their experience and match performance. Elite umpires generally earn USD 3,000 per match, while developmental umpires earn USD 700 per match.
Playoff Bonuses for Umpires in IPL
In addition to their regular incomes, umpires can earn bonuses during the playoffs, where they receive extra pay for officiating in critical matches. However, only elite umpires are eligible for these bonuses.
