60-plus old umpires feel deprived

An umpire (right) doing duty in a Ranji Trophy game in 2006-07. Representation Pic/Getty Images

Despite being eligible to officiate in BCCI matches at all levels, some 20 umpires and around a dozen referees aged between 60 and 65 years have not received any Ranji Trophy postings this season.

An affected umpire falling in this age bracket has taken up the issue with the board and sought equal treatment to all BCCI-accredited umpires "without discrimination of age."

The 61-year-old's contention is why the BCCI Umpires Committee has not provided them games this season though it was decided to do so in the December 2021 AGM of the BCCI.

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The age limit of match officials and support staff was increased to 65 from 60 years subject to fitness at that Kolkata meeting.

It is learnt that the men who matter in the decision-making on umpires wanted to promote younger umpires and referees and keep out those above 60 years.

The affected umpire said in his representation to the BCCI: "It is understood that the Umpires Committee is overruling the BCCI decision to enhance the retirement age of match officials. The decision taken by the highest bodies i.e the Apex Council and the General Body is superseded by a sub-committee which is against the protocol and rules of business."

Under Sourav Ganguly's presidency, the age limit for match officials was raised from 55 years to 60. And, with the outbreak of Covid and the possible cancellation of a couple of tournaments due to lack of officials, it was decided to raise the age limit to 65 and BCCI matches were conducted with these umpires also given posting (2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons).

The aggrieved officials lose remuneration to the tune of over Rs 10 lakh per season; Rs 15-20 lakh a season if they officiate the knock out games of premier tournaments. It's even more if the umpires are posted in the IPL.

Another affected umpire said: "The BCCI checked our availability and once we gave our confirmation to officiate in matches, we cannot do any other job. If the BCCI don't want us, they should give us an honourable exit with some compensation or should post us for some matches. We have been serving the game with passion, unlike the new batches who have left their regular jobs to take up umpiring full time."

Neither Devajit Saikia, the BCCI Joint Secretary, under whose portfolio the umpires/officials issues fall, nor Abey Kuruvilla, the BCCI's General Manager, responded for a comment on the issue despite attempts to reach them.