Cricket Match Officials: Umpires, Referees, and Their Roles Explained
Who officiates a cricket match? Understand the roles of on-field umpires, the third umpire, match referee, reserve umpire, and boundary officials in international cricket.
International cricket matches are officiated by a team of officials, each with specific responsibilities. The days of just two umpires controlling a match are long gone — modern cricket involves up to five officials working in coordination, supported by technology and clear protocols.
On-Field Umpires
Two umpires stand on the field during play. One stands at the bowler's end (behind the stumps at the bowler's end, slightly to the side) and makes all decisions: LBW appeals, caught behind, no-balls, wides, and enforcing Law. The second umpire stands at square leg — level with the batter's crease — and assists with run-outs, stumpings, and relaying decisions.
Third Umpire (TV Umpire)
The third umpire operates off the field in a review room with access to all broadcast camera feeds and DRS technology. When an on-field decision is reviewed, the third umpire examines replay footage, Hawk-Eye, UltraEdge, and Hot Spot before communicating the verdict to the on-field umpires. In ICC tournaments, the third umpire also handles all run-out and stumping calls automatically — they do not need to be reviewed.
Match Referee
The match referee is the senior ICC official responsible for the overall conduct of the match. They handle: player misconduct, Code of Conduct breaches, Spirit of Cricket violations, media access, post-match penalties (fines, suspension), and ensuring playing conditions are adhered to. The referee does not make on-field decisions — that is the umpires' domain.
Reserve Umpire
The reserve umpire is available as a substitute if an on-field umpire is injured or ill during the match. They have no active role during play unless called upon. In ICC events, the reserve umpire may also manage boundary-related logistics and signals.
ICC Elite Panel and International Panel
The ICC maintains two umpiring panels. The Elite Panel consists of approximately 12 top umpires who officiate all Tests and ICC events. Each Test has at least one Elite Panel umpire from a neutral nation — since 2020 rules were adjusted during COVID, and 'home umpires' have since been permitted in some bilateral series when neutral travel was impractical.
| Official | Location During Play | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Bowler's end umpire | Behind stumps at bowler's end | LBW, caught behind, no-balls, wides, all dismissals |
| Square leg umpire | Level with batter at square leg | Run-outs, stumpings, assists on signals |
| Third umpire | Off-field review room | DRS reviews, auto-referral run-outs, technology checks |
| Match referee | Stands/viewing area | Conduct, penalties, playing conditions compliance |
| Reserve umpire | Boundary/stands | Replacement if on-field umpire injured |
Umpire Signals
Umpires communicate with scorers and spectators through a set of standardised signals. Common signals include: both arms raised (six), arm extended horizontally (four), one arm raised (one short/bye), cross-arms below waist (dead ball), circular motion overhead (free hit), and leg lifted (leg bye). These signals ensure scoring accuracy and crowd understanding.
Frequently asked questions
Can players argue with an umpire in cricket?
Players may ask an umpire to clarify a decision but may not argue, remonstrate, or use dissent. The ICC Code of Conduct classifies showing obvious displeasure at a decision as a Level 1 offence, carrying a fine.
Who is responsible if a field is not ready due to bad weather?
On-field umpires, in consultation with the match referee, determine when conditions are suitable for play. They inspect the pitch and outfield and inform both captains of their decision.
Can an umpire change their mind after a decision?
An umpire may change their decision before the next ball is bowled if new information comes to light (e.g., they realise they made an error). Once play recommences with the next delivery, the decision is final (absent DRS).
What happens if an umpire is too ill to continue?
The reserve umpire takes over. If there is no reserve umpire, one of the fielding side's players (non-bowling) may stand as a substitute umpire at square leg in an emergency.