BCCI AGM approves higher match-official payments, begins centenary plans

Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday approved a series of administrative and financial measures at its 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM), including enhanced payments for umpires and match referees, while also setting the ball rolling for the Board’s centenary celebrations in 2028.

The AGM, held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, saw Arun Singh Dhumal and M Khairul Jamal Majumdar elected as the two General Body representatives to the Governing Council of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The General Body adopted the audited statement of accounts for the 2025-26 financial year and approved the annual budget for 2026-27. Auditors for the 2026-27 financial year were also appointed.

The BCCI also unanimously approved an enhanced payment structure for umpires and match referees, along with a reclassification of their grades. The move is aimed at revising the existing structure for match officials, although details of the revised payments were not disclosed in the decisions released after the AGM.

The meeting also took decisions concerning two major milestones in Indian cricket. The General Body unanimously resolved to celebrate the 20th edition of the IPL in 2027 on a grand scale.

At the same time, the BCCI has initiated the process for its centenary celebrations in 2028. According to the Board, the centenary programme will be spread over a year, beginning in December 2027 and continuing through 2028, to mark 100 years of the organisation and Indian cricket's institutional journey.

The AGM also approved the formation of a new Internal Committee under the BCCI's Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy.

In another administrative measure, the BCCI Age Verification Policy was updated and adopted by the General Body.

The meeting also discussed with the state associations measures to support differently-abled cricketers. The discussions focused on providing appropriate facilities and resources to help promote the development and progress of cricketers with disabilities.

The decisions came as the BCCI prepares for a significant period in its history, with the IPL set to enter its 20th edition in 2027 and the Board approaching its centenary the following year.

Tags : BCCI, Indian cricket, AGM, Arun Singh Dhumal, Khairul Jamal Majumdar