More than 400 umpires, match officials, scorers and video analysts in India – along with a handful of players – are waiting to be paid by the BCCI, according to a report.
While some of these officials do have a regular job to fall back on, the majority of them are professionals and are completely dependent on the compensation package from the governing body, the Indian Express said.
The BCCI scheduled a shortened domestic calendar this year after the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic, with the T20 tournament, the Syed Mushtag Ali Trophy, in January being followed by the 50-overs-a-side Vijay Hazare competition.
One umpire, who declined to be named but who officiated in both competitions, told the newspaper: “We usually get the payments within 15 days of completing the assignment.
“But two months have passed since the Mushtaq Ali tournament finished and we haven’t received any money yet.”
It is understood those involved are upset that these payments have been overlooked particularly as a second lucrative IPL in six months is only days away.
It is believed that the delay is down to the BCCI not having a manager of cricket operations in place; the previous post holder, Saba Karim, resigned last year and another general manager, KVP Rao, who had responsibility for umpires, was asked to step down last December.
The BCCI agreed in its AGM that month that a working group would be formed to decide on salaries for players and match officials. However, according to the Indian Express, no payments have been forthcoming.
It was also reported that even some players who take part only in the first-class four-day Ranji Trophy had not been paid for the last competition, which finished a year ago.
