The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, will feature a highly skilled panel of international match officials. The International Cricket Council has named 24 on-field umpires and six match referees for the tournament’s group stage.
Beyond the official appointments, cricket fans are curious about umpire earnings. This includes per-match fees, monthly retainers, and special bonuses that officials receive at major ICC events such as the T20 World Cup.
How Much Do T20 World Cup Umpires Earn Per Match?
ICC pays umpires based on a structured international salary system. Their earnings vary based on match format, role, and panel status.
ICC Umpire Match Fees
| Match Type | Fee (USD) | Approx. Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Test Match (5 days) | $5,000 | ₹3.7 lakh |
| ODI Match | $3,000 | ₹2.2 lakh |
| T20 Match | $1,500 | ₹1.1 lakh |
For each T20 World Cup game, umpires receive approximately ₹1.1 lakh. This amount does not include bonuses and monthly retainers.
Monthly Salary of ICC Umpires
Elite panel umpires get a fixed monthly payment from the ICC. They receive this amount even during months when they do not officiate any matches.
Monthly Retainer
- $3,000 per month
- Approximately ₹2.2–2.3 lakh per month
This retainer keeps top umpires committed to ICC duties throughout the year.
Annual Salary of T20 World Cup Umpires
An elite ICC umpire’s yearly earnings come from three main sources:
- Monthly retainer payments
- Match fees across formats
- World Cup and tournament bonuses
Estimated Annual Earnings
| Category | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Retainer | ₹27–28 lakh |
| Match Fees (Yearly) | ₹35–55 lakh |
| Tournament Bonuses | ₹8–15 lakh |
| Total Annual Income | ₹60 lakh to ₹1 crore |
Umpires who stand in several World Cup matches can earn considerably more during the tournament period.
Extra Benefits For World Cup Umpires
ICC provides several non-monetary perks to umpires during the T20 World Cup:
- Business-class international flights
- Five-star hotel accommodation
- Daily food and expense allowance
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Training and performance review sessions
- Pension and post-retirement benefits
These perks reduce personal costs and add significant value to their overall compensation package.
Rod Tucker has officiated more T20 World Cup matches than any other umpire. He currently holds the record with 46 appearances and will cross 50 matches during the 2026 edition.
Full List of Umpires – T20 World Cup 2026 (Group Stage)
On-Field Umpires
- Roland Black
- Chris Brown
- Kumar Dharmasena
- Chris Gaffaney
- Adrian Holdstock
- Richard Illingworth
- Richard Kettleborough
- Wayne Knights
- Donovan Koch
- Jayaraman Madanagopal
- Nitin Menon
- Sam Nogajski
- KNA Padmanabhan
- Allahuddien Paleker
- Ahsan Raza
- Leslie Reifer
- Paul Reiffel
- Langton Rusere
- Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid
- Gazi Sohel
- Rod Tucker
- Alex Wharf
- Raveendra Wimalasiri
- Asif Yaqoob
Match Referees
- Dean Cosker
- David Gilbert
- Ranjan Madugalle
- Andrew Pycroft
- Richie Richardson
- Javagal Srinath
Indian Umpires At T20 World Cup 2026
India has two on-field umpires representing the host nation in this tournament:
- Nitin Menon – India’s sole member on the ICC Elite Panel
- Jayaraman Madanagopal
Menon recently reached a significant landmark. On January 31, 2026, he became the first Indian umpire to officiate 150 international matches across all formats.
India vs Pakistan Match Umpires Confirmed
The marquee clash between India and Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo will have Richard Illingworth and Kumar Dharmasena standing as on-field umpires.
These two officials rank among the finest in international cricket:
- Dharmasena has stood in 37 T20 World Cup matches, including the 2016 and 2022 finals
- Illingworth officiated the 2024 T20 World Cup final alongside Chris Gaffaney
The ICC assigns elite panel umpires to high-stakes matches because they bring precision, vast experience, and composure under pressure.
Related Reads:
Conclusion
The T20 World Cup 2026 umpiring panel reflects the ICC’s commitment to experience, precision, and reliability. Players earn the spotlight and lucrative contracts, but umpires serve a vital function behind the scenes. They ensure fair play and maintain integrity in cricket’s biggest matches.
With competitive salaries, monthly retainers, and excellent benefits, officiating at the T20 World Cup is among the most respected and well-paid positions in international cricket.
FAQs
Umpires receive approximately ₹1.1 lakh per match. This does not include monthly retainers and tournament bonuses.
Yes. Elite panel umpires receive a monthly retainer of about ₹2.2 lakh from the ICC.
Elite umpires earn between ₹60 lakh to ₹1 crore per year. This depends on how many matches they officiate.
No. The ICC pays all elite panel umpires equally, regardless of their nationality.
Yes. World Cup assignments provide additional match fees and bonuses. This makes these tournaments the most profitable period for umpires.
