The excitement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is about to begin, with the first match scheduled for March 22. While players receive massive contracts through the IPL auction, umpires also play a crucial role in ensuring fair play. Their decisions can change the course of a match, making them just as important as the players. But how much do umpires earn for officiating IPL matches?
The Crucial Role of Umpires
Unlike players, who are paid by their respective franchises, umpires are appointed and paid by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Their earnings vary depending on the stage of the tournament.
IPL Umpiring Fees Breakdown
- League Matches:
Field umpires earn $4,000 (approx. ₹3.46 lakh) per match. With 70 league matches in the tournament, umpires officiate several games, accumulating a significant amount. - Playoff Matches:
Umpires receive a higher fee of $6,000 (approx. ₹5.20 lakh) per playoff match due to the increased intensity and stakes of these matches. - Final Match:
The IPL final is the most prestigious game of the season, and umpires are compensated accordingly. They earn $8,000 (approx. ₹6.94 lakh) for officiating the final.
The Prestige of Officiating the IPL Final
Umpiring in the final is an honor, given the high stakes and global viewership. In IPL 2024, the final between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was officiated by Jayaraman Madanagopal and Nitin Menon as the on-field umpires.
While IPL players grab headlines for their multi-crore contracts, umpires also earn a significant amount, reflecting the responsibility they carry in managing one of the world’s biggest cricket tournaments.
