- Umpire Salary: In international cricket, the salary of umpires is based on the format. That is, the salary of umpires in Test, ODI and T20 International is different.
Source: PTI
Umpire Salary in ODI Cricket:
The role of an umpire in cricket is also very special. An international match cannot be imagined without an umpire. Fans often show interest in knowing the salary of an Umpire. Here we will tell you about the salary of an umpire in an ODI match. Also, if you want to know how a person can become an umpire, then here you will get complete information about it.
Anybody can become an umpire
For your information, let us tell you that to become an umpire, it is not necessary that you have played cricket. However, you must have knowledge about cricket and the rules of this game. Apart from this, your eyesight should be good and fitness should also be good, because the umpire has to stand on the field during the entire match.
How can someone become an umpire
First of all, you will have to umpire in local matches. The experience of umpiring in local matches will be very useful for you. Then you will have to register yourself in the State Cricket Association. After this, you will become eligible to become an umpire in BCCI. However, to become a BCCI umpire, you have to give an exam. The board conducts Level 1 exam every year. For this, BCCI also provides three days of coaching classes.
How much salary does an umpire get for an ODI match?
In international cricket, the salary of an umpire depends on his experience. The same rule applies to ODI matches as well. Umpires included in the elite panel get a salary of about $3000 per match. There has been no increase in the salary of umpires for the last few years. However, in the World Cup, an umpire gets up to $5000 for one match.
When we think about the heroes of an ODI match, our minds usually wander to the players, but umpires play a crucial role in ensuring the game is played fairly. While players get most of the spotlight, the compensation of umpires, the silent guardians of the rules, is often overlooked. Have you ever wondered how much an umpire earns for officiating an ODI match? Moreover, what’s the difference in pay between male and female umpires?
Let’s explore the pay structure of umpires and whether a gender pay gap exists in this critical role of the sport.
How Much Does an Umpire Earn in an ODI Match?
The pay for umpires, particularly in international cricket, varies based on their experience and designation. Umpires are generally categorized into two groups—Elite Panel Umpires and International Panel Umpires. The Elite Panel consists of the world’s top umpires who regularly officiate in prestigious international matches, including ODIs, while International Panel umpires are often emerging talents or officiate in fewer high-profile games.
Here’s a general breakdown of how much an umpire can earn in an ODI match:
- Elite Panel Umpires: The most experienced umpires in the Elite Panel earn a match fee of around $3,000 to $3,500 per ODI match. This figure may vary depending on the country they are from and the specific cricket board that employs them.
- International Panel Umpires: Umpires who are part of the International Panel but not yet in the Elite Panel earn a slightly lower amount—approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per ODI match.
Additionally, umpires also receive annual salaries from their respective cricket boards, which can range from $35,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on their panel and experience.
The Gender Pay Gap in Umpiring
Now comes the more complex issue—gender pay disparity in cricket umpiring. In recent years, cricket has taken steps towards closing the gender gap, but unfortunately, pay disparity still exists between male and female umpires.
- Male Umpires: As mentioned earlier, Elite Panel male umpires can earn upwards of $3,000 per ODI match, while International Panel male umpires earn around $1,000 to $1,500 per match. Male umpires are more commonly found on the Elite Panel, which is a significant factor contributing to their higher earnings.
- Female Umpires: Female umpires have increasingly gained recognition, particularly with the growing popularity of women’s cricket. However, most female umpires are yet to be included in the Elite Panel, resulting in a pay gap. Female umpires typically officiate in women’s international matches and domestic competitions, earning around $700 to $1,200 per ODI match, depending on the region and the level of the match.
The gender gap in umpiring reflects a larger systemic issue, where female umpires have fewer opportunities to officiate high-profile men’s matches. Even though the skillset is the same, the difference in pay arises largely due to the panel placement and the high-profile nature of matches officiated by men.
The Path Towards Equality
In recent years, cricket boards and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have made efforts to promote gender equality in umpiring. For example, the ICC Women’s Elite Panel has seen growth in the number of female umpires, such as Jacqueline Williams and Claire Polosak, who have started officiating men’s international matches as well. This signals a positive step toward bridging the gap.
However, the fact remains that female umpires, even if skilled and experienced, still don’t receive as many opportunities to officiate in high-stakes men’s ODIs, which naturally limits their earning potential.
Conclusion: The Road to Equal Pay
The salary of an umpire in an ODI match depends on experience, panel designation, and the profile of the match. Elite male umpires earn substantially more than their female counterparts, but this is slowly beginning to change as more female umpires enter the mainstream and officiate men’s games.
Closing the gender pay gap in umpiring will require the cricketing world to continue promoting female umpires, offering them equal opportunities to officiate in high-profile men’s matches, and ensuring that pay scales reflect their talent and dedication, regardless of gender. Until then, the gap persists—but change is on the horizon.