Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The BCCI has restructured its umpire categories and substantially increased their daily fees, while also revising the payment structure for match referees. The board has also introduced a merit-based promotion and relegation system for umpires, secretary Devajit Saikia said on Friday.
Saikia said there had been no revision of fees for umpires and match referees for nearly a decade. Under the new structure, umpires will be divided into four grades, A, B, C and D, and will be paid Rs 60,000, Rs 50,000, Rs 40,000 and Rs 35,000 per day respectively.
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“For almost 10 years from 2017-18, there was no revision of the fees of the umpires, so we have restructured their categories,” Saikia told reporters after the BCCI AGM on Friday.
“Earlier, there were four categories, A+, A, B and C. Now we have restructured them as A, B, C and D. The daily fees have been increased substantially. We have also increased the fees for match referees and revised their fee structure,” he added.
The BCCI secretary said an “umpires board” would assess officials and decide their assignments based on merit. Umpires will also be promoted or relegated at the end of each domestic season.
“All their postings will be based on merit. We have an assessment team under the umpires board. They will assess the umpires and, based on their merit, they will be given assignments,” Saikia said.
“At the end of every season, there will be a system of relegation and promotion. Those who perform well, say 10 umpires, will be promoted to the next level.
“Those at the higher level who do not perform to the required standard will be downgraded.”
Saikia said the new system would keep umpires alert throughout the season and improve the standard of officiating.
“This will make them very alert throughout the season and that will ultimately help the game of cricket. The future of some players depends on the decisions made by umpires, so they have to be very competent and alert,” he said.
Saikia said the BCCI would give its response to the Supreme Court’s remarks on whether the national board and its state associations should come under the National Sports Governance Act at the next hearing on October 27.
“Regarding the Sports Act, our stand is very clear. There are a lot of things which are yet to be done by the concerned authority,” Saikia said.
“Once those exercises are completed, and once the BCCI comes under the Sports Act, a particular notification has to be issued to make it a designated sport.
“Till that time, we are not supposed to do anything. Whenever that notification comes, immediately we will spring into action and work according to the new rules.
“So, as of today, there is nothing that was discussed in the Supreme Court. We will give our clarification on October 27 when the matter is listed next.”
AGE FRAUD RULES UPDATED
Saikia also said the BCCI had once again advertised for the position of head of sports science.
He added that the IPL is expected to begin towards the end of March 2027.
The BCCI has also updated its age-fraud policy, with new standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued for state cricket associations.
“We have revisited our age-fraud policies and updated them. New SOPs have been issued today and will be followed by all state-affiliated units for their age-group teams,” Saikia said.
The state associations have also been asked to support cricketers with physical disabilities.
“Another big thing is that we discussed engaging and activating our state associations to support cricketers in the physically challenged categories,” Saikia said.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
