Umpire Salary in IPL 2025: Per Match Salary and Total Salary
In every IPL match, umpires play a critical role, making difficult decisions instantly, navigating high-stress scenarios, and ensuring the game’s flow and integrity. This crucial responsibility often leads fans to inquire about the earnings of an IPL umpire.
According to a report, on-field umpires in IPL 2025 make Rs 3 lakh for each match, while the fourth umpires earn Rs 2 lakh. For comparison, each player, including the impact player, gets paid Rs 7.5 lakh per game this season. For the 2025 season, the average salary of an IPL umpire is INR 7.33 lakhs per season. Additionally, umpires are compensated with a per-match fee, which varies based on their experience level and the match category (league matches, playoffs, and finals). Umpires, on average, officiate 15–20 matches per season.
The increasing brand value and widespread popularity of the IPL have led to consistent growth in umpire salaries and the availability of longer-term pay across all levels of the game. Senior and elite panel accredited umpires often receive higher remuneration, with bonuses and travel allowances also being more probable.
Umpire Salary in the IPL – Highest-Paid Umpires and Match Stats
Umpires play a role equally vital to that of the players, making pivotal decisions under immense pressure that can directly influence match outcomes. Recognizing this responsibility, the Indian Premier League ensures that its leading officials receive appropriate compensation. Below is a summary highlighting the top 6 IPL umpires, detailing their fee per season, estimated annual earnings, and the total number of IPL matches they have officiated.
| Highest Paid Umpire in IPL | Fees Per Match | Estimated Earnings Per Season | Total IPL Matches Umpired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anil Chaudhary | ₹ 1,98,000 | ₹ 7,33,000 | 121 |
| Christopher Gaffaney | ₹ 1,98,000 | ₹ 7,33,000 | 77 |
| Nitin Menon | ₹ 1,98,000 | ₹ 7,33,000 | 94 |
| C. Shamshuddin | ₹ 1,98,000 | ₹ 7,33,000 | 89 |
| KN Ananthapadmanabhan | ₹ 1,98,000 | ₹ 7,33,000 | 65 |
| Bruce Oxenford | ₹ 1,98,000 | ₹ 7,33,000 | 64 |
How Well Do IPL Umpires Get Paid For A Match And For A Season?
Experienced officials in the IPL typically earn close to ₹ 2 lakh per match. Considering an average involvement of 15–20 matches each season, their total annual earnings can exceed ₹ 7 lakh. As the IPL continues to expand its global viewership and influence, the earning potential for its umpires also increases, fostering a more substantial and fulfilling career path within cricket that extends beyond playing. Check More:IPL Commentators Salary 2025
Breakdown of Umpire Salary in IPL 2025
The compensation for umpires in IPL 2025 is structured to acknowledge their expertise, experience, and the number of matches they officiate. A comprehensive breakdown of their seasonal salaries is provided below.
| Category | Per Match Fee | Daily Allowance | Seasonal Earnings | Examples | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Umpires | ₹ 1,98,000 | ₹ 12,500 | Approx. ₹7,33,000+ | Nitin Menon, Bruce Oxenford | Members of the ICC Elite Panel; officiate international and top IPL matches |
| Developmental Umpires | ₹ 59,000 | Varies | Approx. ₹7,33,000 | Anil Dandekar, Virender Sharma | Domestic-level umpires gaining IPL experience |
| All Umpires | — | — | ₹7,33,000 (Fixed per season) | All officials in IPL | Includes additional benefits like travel and accommodation |
Top 6 Highest-Paid Umpires in IPL 2025
The Indian Premier League relies on these highly experienced, accurate, and consistent umpires to uphold fair play in every match. Here, we examine the highest-paid umpires in IPL 2025, detailing their earnings and contributions to the sport.
1. Anil Chaudhary
Anil Chaudhary stands as one of the most seasoned umpires in the IPL. He receives a match fee of ₹1,98,000, accumulating a seasonal total of ₹7,33,000. Having officiated 121 IPL matches, his significant experience is a testament to his value in Indian cricket. Notably, he was appointed to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in June 2020, becoming one of only three Indians to reach this esteemed position.
2. Christopher Gaffaney
Christopher Gaffaney, a former New Zealand cricketer and an elite umpire, is a highly regarded figure in the IPL. His match fee is ₹1,98,000, bringing his total seasonal earnings to ₹7,33,000. With 77 IPL matches under his belt, Gaffaney’s membership in the ICC Elite Panel since 2015 highlights his international standing and respect within the sport.
3. Nitin Menon
Nitin Menon is recognized as one of India’s premier umpires, earning ₹1,98,000 per IPL game and approximately ₹7,33,000 over a season. He is known for his adept decision-making in high-pressure scenarios, having officiated in 94 IPL matches. Menon’s induction into the ICC Elite Panel in 2020 made him the youngest Indian to join, and he remains the sole Indian umpire in this elite cohort.
4. C. Shamshuddin
C. Shamshuddin, a veteran umpire, plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of IPL matches. His compensation is ₹1,98,000 per game, leading to seasonal earnings of around ₹7,33,000. His long-standing service has made significant contributions to IPL umpiring. Having served as the third umpire for 89 total IPL games, he is recognized for his composure and dependable decision-making under pressure.
5. KN Ananthapadmanabhan
K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan exemplifies another top Indian umpire, receiving ₹1,98,000 for each match officiated and an annual earning of ₹7,33,000. He has stood in 65 IPL matches and was inducted into the ICC Elite Panel in June 2020, solidifying his status as a leading official in global cricket.
6. Bruce Oxenford
Australian umpire Bruce Oxenford is renowned both for his umpiring prowess and his distinctive protective gear worn on the field. In the IPL, he earns ₹1,98,000 per match, totaling approximately ₹7,33,000 for the season. Oxenford has officiated 64 matches in the IPL and has been a member of the ICC Elite Panel since 2012, bringing valuable international experience to the league.
How IPL’s Growth Impact Umpire Salaries
The demand and escalating brand value of the Indian Premier League have significantly boosted umpire salaries. In 2008, umpires received a mere INR 40,000 per match; currently, elite umpires command INR 1,98,000, marking a 400% increase. This substantial rise is directly linked to the IPL’s growing brand value, which stood at $6.3 billion in 2018 and further escalated to $8.4 billion by 2022 (Duff & Phelps). As the IPL continues to attract a global fan base and larger sponsorships, the BCCI is committed to ensuring top-tier umpiring is well-compensated, thereby drawing the finest talent. Consequently, umpiring in cricket has evolved into a highly lucrative profession.
Conclusion: Elite Umpires Receive Top Salary in IPL
Umpire remuneration within the IPL has seen a substantial increase, reflecting the growing significance of officials to the game. Notably, elite umpires command INR 1,98,000 per match, resulting in estimated seasonal earnings of INR 7,33,000 – a significant uplift compared to previous seasons.