ICC Names Umpires for T20 World Cup 2026 Group Stage: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7, will be officiated by a strong and experienced panel of international umpires. The International Cricket Council has confirmed 24 on-field umpires and six match referees for the group stage of the tournament.
Along with match appointments, attention has also turned to how much these umpires earn, including match fees, monthly retainers, and tournament bonuses, especially during a high-profile event like the T20 World Cup.
India vs Pakistan Match Umpires Confirmed
The biggest match of the group stage — India vs Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo — will be officiated by Richard Illingworth and Kumar Dharmasena as on-field umpires.
Both are among the most experienced officials in world cricket:
- Dharmasena has officiated multiple T20 World Cup finals
- Illingworth was part of the 2024 T20 World Cup final umpiring team
High-pressure matches like this are always assigned to elite panel umpires due to their accuracy, experience, and calm decision-making.
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 will have two on-field umpires in the tournament:
- Nitin Menon – the only Indian on the ICC Elite Panel
- Jayaraman Madanagopal
Menon is set to achieve a major milestone during this period, becoming the first Indian umpire to officiate 150 international matches across formats.
How Much Do T20 World Cup Umpires Earn Per Match?
Umpires at the T20 World Cup are paid under ICC’s international salary structure. Their earnings depend on the 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 the T20 World Cup, umpires earn around ₹1.1 lakh per match, excluding bonuses and retainers.
Monthly Salary of ICC Umpires
Elite panel umpires receive a fixed monthly retainer, even when they are not officiating matches.
Monthly Retainer
- $3,000 per month
- Around ₹2.2–2.3 lakh per month
This retainer ensures that top umpires remain available year-round for ICC assignments.
Annual Salary of T20 World Cup Umpires
An elite ICC umpire’s yearly income comes from:
- Monthly retainer
- Match fees
- 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 |
Senior umpires who officiate multiple World Cup matches can earn significantly more during the tournament window.
Extra Benefits for World Cup Umpires
Apart from direct salary, umpires receive several non-cash benefits during the T20 World Cup:
- Business-class international flights
- Luxury hotel accommodation
- Daily food and expense allowance
- Full medical insurance
- Training and performance review programs
- Pension and post-retirement benefits
These benefits reduce personal expenses and add substantial value to their overall compensation.
Officials like Rod Tucker, who has officiated more T20 World Cup matches than any other umpire, continue to receive top assignments and are expected to cross 50 World Cup matches during the 2026 edition.
The T20 World Cup 2026 umpiring panel reflects the ICC’s focus on experience, accuracy, and consistency. While players earn headlines and big contracts, umpires play a crucial role behind the scenes, ensuring fairness in the world’s biggest matches.
With solid salaries, monthly retainers, and world-class benefits, officiating at the T20 World Cup remains one of the most respected and well-compensated roles in international cricket.
FAQs:
How much do umpires earn per T20 World Cup match?
They earn around ₹1.1 lakh per match, excluding monthly retainers and bonuses.
Do umpires get paid monthly?
Yes, elite umpires receive a monthly retainer of about ₹2.2 lakh.
What is the annual salary of top ICC umpires?
Elite umpires earn ₹60 lakh to ₹1 crore per year, depending on match assignments.
Are Indian umpires paid less than foreign umpires?
No. All elite ICC umpires are paid equally, regardless of nationality.
Do umpires earn extra during World Cups?
Yes. World Cups provide additional match fees and bonuses, making them the most profitable tournaments for umpires.
