How to Become a Cricket Umpire: Career Pathway Explained
A complete guide to becoming a cricket umpire — from entry-level courses to the ICC Elite Panel, qualifications, career progression, and what umpires earn.
Why Umpires Matter
Cricket umpires are the on-field arbiters of the game. Two on-field umpires and a third umpire (TV umpire) together uphold the Laws of Cricket, adjudicate dismissals, monitor no-balls, manage over rates, and maintain fair play. The DRS (Decision Review System) has changed their role — errors are reviewable — but umpires remain essential to the flow and integrity of the game.
Entry-Level: Club and Association Umpiring
Most countries run a structured umpire development programme. In England, the ECB offers a Course in Cricket Umpiring and Scoring (CICOS) — a one-day entry-level qualification for recreational cricket. Candidates learn the basic Laws, signals, positioning, and scorebook maintenance. After passing, they are registered as recreational umpires eligible to stand in club cricket.
Progressing to List A and First-Class
From club level, umpires progress through county board accreditation, standing in recreational leagues, then Minor Counties, then the ECB's First-Class Umpires list. Selection for the list is competitive and based on assessments by senior umpires. First-class umpires stand in the County Championship and domestic cup competitions, gaining experience across different match conditions.
The ICC International Panel
The ICC maintains a two-tier international umpire structure. The ICC International Panel consists of umpires approved for bilateral international matches when an Elite Panel umpire is unavailable, or for second-tier matches. The ICC Elite Panel consists of 10–12 umpires appointed on one-year renewable contracts to stand in all Test matches and major ICC events.
ICC Elite Panel Appointment
To reach the Elite Panel, an umpire typically needs 5–10 years of international experience on the International Panel, strong assessment scores, no major controversy, and endorsement from senior colleagues and ICC officials. The average Elite Panel umpire stands in 15–25 Tests per year.
Qualifications and Assessments
Umpires are assessed at every level. On-field assessors — often experienced former umpires — watch matches and score performance across categories including positioning, decisiveness, Law knowledge, communication, and handling of pressure situations. Detailed written assessments are provided, and umpires are expected to demonstrate continuous improvement. Law knowledge is tested periodically via written exams.
Women's Umpiring Pathways
The ICC has actively worked to integrate women umpires into all levels of the game, including men's international cricket. Claire Polosak stood as the on-field umpire in the 2022 T20 World Cup final and has stood in men's first-class cricket. The ICC has committed to removing gender barriers across officiating roles, and several women umpires now appear on the International Panel.
Frequently asked questions
How do I become a cricket umpire?
Start by completing an entry-level umpiring course (such as ECB's CICOS in England), register with your local cricket board, gain experience in club cricket, and progressively apply for higher-level panels through county and national boards.
What is the ICC Elite Panel?
The ICC Elite Panel is the highest tier of international umpiring, comprising 10–12 umpires appointed annually to stand in all Test matches and major ICC tournaments worldwide.
Do cricket umpires get paid?
Yes. Elite Panel umpires earn full-time salaries via ICC contracts. First-class umpires at domestic level are paid match fees, which vary by country and level of competition.