Cricket Umpiring — How to Become an Umpire and What the Job Involves
Cricket umpires enforce the Laws and make instant decisions in high-pressure situations. Learn how to become an umpire and what the job requires.
What Does a Cricket Umpire Do?
Cricket umpires enforce the Laws of Cricket from the field of play. The two on-field umpires stand at the bowler's end and square leg respectively, alternating each over. They rule on LBW appeals, no-balls, wides, run-outs, stumpings, boundary decisions, and player conduct. At international level, a TV umpire (third umpire) reviews borderline decisions on video.
Umpiring Levels
- Club umpire — grassroots level; accredited by the national board's entry-level umpiring course.
- County/State umpire — officiates domestic first-class and list A matches; requires advanced examination passes.
- Domestic Elite Panel — top domestic umpires eligible for major domestic competitions.
- ICC International Panel — approved for international matches below Test level.
- ICC Elite Panel — the top 12 umpires in the world; officiate in Test matches and ICC events.
The ICC Elite Panel
The ICC Elite Panel of Umpires consists of approximately 12 umpires who stand in Test matches worldwide. Members include renowned umpires like Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka), Richard Illingworth (England), Marais Erasmus (South Africa), and Joel Wilson (West Indies). Elite Panel umpires typically officiate 80–100 days of international cricket per year.
The DRS Era
The Decision Review System (DRS) has changed umpiring significantly. Umpires are no longer the final arbiters of every decision — teams can challenge LBW calls, caught-behind decisions, and other outcomes. The introduction of DRS has been contentious: proponents argue it corrects clear errors; critics argue it undermines umpire authority and the culture of respecting on-field decisions.
How to Start Umpiring
- Contact your national cricket board (ECB, Cricket Australia, BCCI) for accreditation programs.
- Complete an entry-level umpiring course — typically 1-2 days including Laws examination.
- Apply to stand at club matches in your local association.
- Progress through county/state examinations to reach higher-level domestic umpiring.
- Build experience — most professional umpires officiated club and county cricket for 10+ years before reaching the international panel.
Frequently asked questions
How much do international cricket umpires earn?
ICC Elite Panel umpires are typically paid per match — an international Test match fee is estimated at USD 5,000–10,000 per Test. With approximately 80–100 days per year of international duties plus domestic fees, senior umpires can earn six-figure salaries in USD terms. However, the journey to that level involves years at lower-paid domestic levels.
Can former players become umpires?
Yes — many excellent umpires were former professional players, including Simon Taufel (no playing career of note), Aleem Dar (domestic-level cricketer), and more. Playing experience helps with understanding the game but is not a prerequisite. The examinations and Laws knowledge are the key requirements.