In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), umpires play a crucial but often overlooked role. Despite their constant involvement in matches alongside players, umpires rarely receive the appreciation they deserve. Instead, they are often subjected to harsh criticism for errors while their good decisions go unnoticed.
This trend is consistent across all levels of cricket, and IPL is no exception. As interest in umpiring remains low among fans, many might wonder how much these officials are paid. According to a report by India Today, on-field umpires in IPL 2025 earn Rs 3 lakh per match, while fourth umpires receive Rs 2 lakh.
To put this in perspective, each playing member, including the impact player, earns Rs 7.5 lakh per game in addition to their franchise salaries.
Ishan Kishan’s Unusual Dismissal
A recent incident during the IPL clash between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad highlighted the complexities faced by umpires. Ishan Kishan’s dismissal caught attention when he was given out caught-behind despite no visible contact with the ball. After barely getting off the mark, Kishan attempted to glance a delivery from Deepak Chahar down the leg side. MI wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton collected the ball, and neither he nor the bowler appealed seriously.
Umpire Vinod Seshan was seemingly about to call it a wide when Kishan voluntarily walked, suggesting he had edged the ball. Seshan, surprised by the batter’s reaction, raised his finger to declare him out. Replays and UltraEdge technology later confirmed there was no spike, and the ball had missed Kishan’s bat.
Expert Reactions and Match Outcome
The incident left many puzzled, including veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle, who expressed his confusion over Kishan’s dismissal on social media. He admitted that even after years of watching cricket, this bizarre event surprised him. Generally, players have a fair idea if they have edged the ball, making Kishan’s action all the more intriguing.
Meanwhile, the match concluded with Mumbai Indians comfortably defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets. This episode once again emphasized the challenges faced by umpires, who must make quick decisions amid unexpected player behavior and high-pressure moments.
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