Pursuing a Career as an ICC Umpire: Pathway and Earnings

If you're passionate about cricket but haven't made it as a player, consider becoming an ICC umpire. This article outlines the steps to pursue this career, including starting as a local umpire, passing necessary exams, and advancing to international levels. Additionally, it highlights the impressive earnings potential, with umpires making significant income from matches and sponsorships. Dive into the world of cricket officiating and explore how you can turn your love for the game into a lucrative profession.

By Ambika Singh Oct 8, 2025, 11:23 IST

Exploring Umpiring as a Career in Cricket

For those passionate about cricket but unable to make it as players, becoming an umpire offers a lucrative alternative. Umpires in the ICC can earn substantial incomes, making this a viable career path for cricket enthusiasts.

In India, cricket transcends mere sport; it embodies a deep-seated passion. Many dream of emulating stars like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, yet not everyone can don the national jersey. Fortunately, there are various avenues to engage with cricket, and umpiring stands out as a prominent option. If you possess a love for the game, a solid understanding of its rules, and the decisiveness required on the field, umpiring could be your calling.

The journey to becoming an ICC umpire involves dedication and hard work, potentially leading to opportunities in international cricket and significant earnings. This article will outline the steps to secure an ICC umpire position and the associated salary.

Steps to Become an ICC Umpire

How to Secure an ICC Umpire Position?

To embark on a career as an international cricket umpire, you must navigate a structured process:

1. **Start as a Local Umpire** - Register with your state cricket association to gain experience by officiating local matches.

2. **Pass the BCCI Examination** - After gaining experience, your name will be submitted to the BCCI, which conducts an annual Level 1 exam comprising written, oral, and practical assessments. Prior to this exam, a three-day training camp is organized to familiarize you with cricket rules.

3. **Complete Level 2 and Medical Tests** - Upon passing Level 1, you will need to take the Level 2 exam followed by a fitness assessment. Successfully completing these steps qualifies you as an official BCCI umpire.

4. **Advance to International Umpiring** - If you excel in BCCI matches, your name may be forwarded to the ICC. Initially, you will be invited as a trainee umpire for international matches, and with a strong performance, you can be included in the ICC panel.

Earnings of an ICC Umpire

What is the Salary of an ICC Umpire?

Umpires officiating at the international level and part of the ICC panel enjoy attractive earnings. For an ODI match, an umpire can earn approximately 225,000 rupees, while the fee for a Test match can exceed 300,000 rupees. T20 matches typically offer between 150,000 to 200,000 rupees. Umpires on the ICC Elite Panel can earn an annual salary ranging from 7.5 million to 15 million rupees. Additionally, umpires receive allowances for travel, accommodation, and daily expenses, along with potential income from sponsorships.