Non-playing cricket staff in India: Underpaid but essential
Non-playing cricket staff in India play a vital role in the game, but they are often underpaid and undervalued. These staff include groundskeepers, umpires, scorers, and other support personnel.
Groundskeepers are responsible for preparing and maintaining the cricket field. This is a demanding job, as the field must be in perfect condition for the players to compete at their best. Groundskeepers typically work long hours, often in extreme heat or cold.
Umpires are responsible for officiating cricket matches. They must have a deep understanding of the rules of the game and be able to make split-second decisions. Umpires often face criticism from players and fans, but they play a vital role in ensuring that matches are played fairly.
Scorers are responsible for recording the statistics of a cricket match. This is a complex and challenging job, as scorers must be able to keep track of multiple players and events simultaneously. Scorers typically work long hours and must have a good understanding of the rules of the game.
Other support personnel includes a variety of roles, such as coaches, trainers, and physiotherapists. These staff play an important role in helping players to perform at their best.
Despite their essential role, non-playing cricket staff in India are often underpaid. Groundskeepers and scorers at the domestic level typically earn less than ₹10,000 per month. Umpires at the domestic level typically earn around ₹15,000 per day.
Non-playing cricket staff at the international level are paid more, but they still earn significantly less than the players. Umpires at the international level typically earn around ₹40,000 per day.
In 2023, recently, Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj donated his Asia Cup final prize money of ₹4.5 lakh to the grounds persons who had prepared the pitch for the match. Siraj's gesture was widely praised, and it inspired other cricketers worldwide to donate to non-playing cricket staff.
Siraj's donation is a commendable act, but it is important to note that there is a systemic problem of underpaying non-playing cricket staff in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken some steps to address this issue, such as increasing the pay for umpires and scorers at the domestic level. However, more needs to be done to ensure that non-playing cricket staff are paid fairly and valued for their contributions.
Cricket fans can also play a role in supporting non-playing cricket staff. When you attend a cricket match, take the time to thank the groundskeepers, umpires, scorers, and other support staff for their hard work. You can also donate to charities that support non-playing cricket staff.
By working together, we can create a more fair and equitable cricket ecosystem where everyone is valued and rewarded for their contributions.
