Being an umpire requires a certain level of knowledge and multitasking skills. Those who want to know how to become an umpire in cricket then need to know more about the basic qualifications and skills required for the job.
First, you need to become a member of the cricket association of your area/state by passing their qualifying tests. Once registered in the local authorizing body, you can start officiating in regional matches to gain experience and know-how of being an umpire in a cricket match.
Eventually, to become an umpire of international level matches, you must pass the BCCI examination. BCCI conducts Level 1 and Level 2 examinations to impanel recruits with the board as umpires.
Read on to learn more about the qualifications and skills required to become an umpire.
Minimum Qualification & Requirements For Umpire
As per BCCI mandates, there is no minimum educational qualification to become an umpire. A person who can read and write has good knowledge about cricket and is familiar with rules, and different cricketing terms is eligible to officiate a cricket match.
For international matches, umpires need to have good English knowledge.
To become an umpire, you must have complete knowledge of the 42 laws. In India, umpires also need to qualify for written examinations conducted by state sports authorities (MCA, DCA, etc.).
Once they qualify in this state exam, they only become eligible to appear for BCCIs Level 1 & 2 examinations.
In addition, you need to be in a good physical and mental state to become an umpire. The job role of an umpire requires standing on the field for long hours.
Do You Know: How Many Sessions In Test Cricket?
Skills Needed To Become A Cricket Umpire
As an umpire, your role is to make correct and neutral decisions, manage people and situations and have multitasking skills. The outcome of a match depends upon the decisions made by the umpire.
Therefore an umpire must make correct and justified decisions even under high-pressure situations. One wrong decision by the umpire could cost so much for either team.
While standing on-field, an umpire has to do multiple tasks, including judging wide balls and no balls, keeping track of deliveries, checking field placement, field obstruction, run-outs, and so much more.
This requires an umpire to be proficient in handling multiple tasks and responsibilities at a single time.
Process Of Becoming A Cricket Umpire
Whether it’s physical requirements or cricketing knowledge, an umpire must pass through different stages before he/she can officiate an international match. Here’s a rundown of the complete process of becoming a cricket umpire in India:
1. Register with State Cricket Association
The first step is registering with your state cricket association and registering for the umpire examination. Next, you need to qualify for the state-level umpire exam conducted by authorities in your area.
2. Officiate in Local Matches
Once certified by state governing bodies, you can participate in matches conducted by the state council as an umpire. It will add essential experience to your portfolio.
3. BCCI Level 1 Examination
Those who have cleared the state-level umpire examination can apply for the Level 1 umpire exam conducted by BCCI. To appear in this examination, you must first go through the internal screening process of BCCI.
4. BCCI Level 2 Examination
Only those candidates, who cleared the Level 1 examination, can appear for the Level 2 umpire exam of BCCI. Level 1 & 2 exams consist of three rounds; practical, oral, and written rounds.
After successfully passing through these four stages, you will be added to the umpires panel of BCCI. After the declaration of the results of the BCCI Level 2 exam, your training will start within a few weeks.
Read Now: Indian Women’s Cricket Team List With Photos
How Much Do Cricket Umpires Get Paid?
The fee paid to umpires differs across formats and levels of cricket matches. Umpires who officiate in cricket matches that are conducted at the local level get anything from 1000 to 2000 per match.
If an umpire is registered with a state body only, he is considered an unpanelled umpire, and they get Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15.000 per match.
BCCI paneled and elite-class umpires get paid higher across all three formats of cricket. The match for an umpire registered with BCCI ranges from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 100,000.
Age Limits For Becoming A Cricket Umpire
To become an umpire at the state council, a person needs to be at least 18 years old. The maximum age for BCCI Level 1 and Level 2 examinations is 40 and 45 years, respectively.
Umpires do get a lot of time to prepare and appear for the BCCI examination for an umpire. The retirement age for BCCI umpires ranges from 55 to 60 years, based on their experience in the field.
Pros And Cons Of Being An Umpire
Umpires play a major role in the game and can be known as neutral third parties. Here are the pros and cons of being an umpire in cricket matches.
Pros
- Umpires have very good job security, and their job is protected for remaining all the players on the team.
- To further enhance job security, a person who holds this position doesn’t need to perform physically strenuous tasks like others.
- Umpiring is one of the best ways to learn about different laws and rules of cricket and different ways of handling situations.
Cons
- Umpire job is not as high paying as other professions.
- Umpires are always under pressure during the match.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I be a Cricket Umpire?
To become a paneled umpire, you must qualify for BCCI Level 1 and Level 2 examinations.
2. How much does a Cricket Umpire earn?
On average, a paneled umpire from BCCI earns 50,000 to 1,00,00 rupees per month. However, the earning of an umpire depends upon the format and level of matches he officiates.
3. What is the salary of an IPL umpire?
All umpires in IPL receive a fixed salary for every season which is Rs. 7,33,000.
4. What qualifications do you need to be an umpire?
There is so no minimum educational qualification to become an umpire. However, one needs to be fluent in reading, writing and communicating in the desired language.
Check Now: Top 10 Best Cricket Bats