How to Become a Cricket Umpire: a Step-by-step Roadmap

If cricket feels like a way of life to you, imagine being the one who keeps the game fair, calling the shots right in the middle of all the action. How to become a cricket umpire is a question that often comes up among cricket enthusiasts. It’s not just about knowing the rules; it’s about making split-second decisions, staying calm under pressure, and earning the trust of players and fans alike.

Whether you’re aiming to officiate international matches or want to contribute to your local league, this guide will help you understand everything about becoming a cricket umpire, from taking your first step to making it big in the professional arena. We’ll also cover practical aspects like the cricket umpire salary and how to become a cricket umpire in India.

1. What does a cricket umpire do?

Before jumping in, take a moment to understand the role of an umpire. It’s not just about signaling boundaries or LBWs. Umpiring is about understanding the game inside out, being impartial, and keeping the game flowing smoothly. Think of it as being the game’s unsung hero. If that excites you, let’s dive in.

2. Start small and learn the basics

Every umpire starts somewhere. You don’t have to know everything on day one—just take that first step.

Master the Laws of Cricket

The MCC Laws of Cricket are your bible. They’re available for free online on the Marylebone Cricket Club’s website. Download them, study them, and keep going back to them. The official rule book is also worth having handy.

Get Hands-On Experience

Offer to umpire for school games, local club matches, or friendly tournaments. You’ll get to learn the ropes in a low-pressure environment and build confidence one match at a time.

3. Take an umpiring course

The next step is formal training. A certified umpiring course gives you the skills and credibility to officiate official games. Here’s how to start:

• Join a Cricket Association: If you’re in India, connect with your state’s cricket association under the BCCI. Most countries have similar setups.
• Enroll in a Level 1 Course: This covers basics like signaling, field positions, and understanding advanced laws.
• Pass the Exam: After training, clear the written and practical exams to get certified. It’s your ticket to officiating.

If you are wondering how to become a cricket umpire in India, the BCCI Level 1 course is the gateway to starting your journey.

4. Resources to level up

The best umpires are always learning. Here are some top resources to help you sharpen your skills:

• “Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring”— A must-read for anyone serious about umpiring.
• “Cricket’s Strangest Matches” by Andrew Ward—For a fun, insightful take on the game.
• The official MCC Laws of Cricket, available online.

You can also register yourself on platforms like CricHeroes. It’s a fantastic way to join a community of umpires, find matches to officiate, and grow your network.

5. Climbing the umpiring ladder

After you’re certified, it’s time to build experience and credibility. Start small and work your way up.

Begin with Local Matches

Start with school or club-level matches. It’s where most umpires cut their teeth and develop confidence.

Move to Domestic Tournaments

If you’re in India, clearing the BCCI’s Level 2 course qualifies you to officiate in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy. It’s a big leap but totally worth it.

Aim for the International Stage

Dreaming of officiating an India vs. Pakistan match? With consistent performance, national boards like the BCCI nominate top umpires to the ICC Elite Panel. From there, the world’s biggest matches await.

6. Cricket Umpire Salary: How Much Can You Earn at Different Levels?

One of the most common questions people ask is about the cricket umpire salary. Umpiring can be financially rewarding, and here’s a detailed snapshot:

Local Matches in India:

• Umpires officiating at the grassroots level earn approximately ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per match.

Domestic Matches in India:

• For first-class games, umpires in the A+ and A categories receive ₹40,000 per day, while those in the B and C categories earn ₹30,000 per day.¹

Indian Premier League (IPL):

• Elite umpires officiating in the IPL are compensated at ₹2,00,000 per match.²

International Matches:

• ICC Elite Panel umpires have an annual salary of approximately $100,000.
• For Test matches, they receive around $5,000 per match.
• In One Day Internationals (ODIs), the fee is about $3,000 per match.
• For T20 Internationals, umpires earn approximately $1,500 per match.³
  
  Please note that these figures are subject to change based on updates from the respective cricket boards and the ICC.

7. Tips for aspiring umpires

• Stay Fit: Long hours on the field mean you need good stamina. Regular exercise is a must.
• Keep Learning: Cricket laws evolve. Stay updated through refresher courses.
• Network: Platforms like CricHeroes make it easy to connect with other umpires, players, and opportunities.
• Be Patient: Building a career as an umpire takes time, but every step forward is progress.

Final thoughts

Becoming a cricket umpire is a journey filled with learning, growth, and incredible moments on the field. It’s not always easy, but the thrill of being part of the game makes it worthwhile. Whether you’re officiating at a local ground or under stadium lights, remember—every great umpire starts with that first call.

Your umpiring journey starts now. Are you ready to make the big calls?

FAQs

1. How to become a cricket umpire in India? 

To become a cricket umpire in India, start by registering with your state cricket association under the BCCI, complete the Level 1 umpiring course, and pass the examination.

2. What is the cricket umpire salary in India? 

At the local level, umpires earn a modest stipend. For domestic matches, umpires earn between ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per day, while international umpires make significantly more.

3. Who can become a cricket umpire? 

Anyone passionate about cricket and willing to study the laws, undergo training, and stay physically fit can become a cricket umpire.

4. Where can I find the MCC Laws of Cricket? 

The MCC Laws of Cricket are available for free online on the official Marylebone Cricket Club website.

5. Why should I register on CricHeroes? 

CricHeroes is a great platform to join the umpiring community, find opportunities to officiate matches, and build a strong network in the cricketing ecosystem.

References :

1. The Cricket Lounge ↩︎
2. iSport India ↩︎
3. Sportscriber ↩︎