Former Indian umpire Piloo Reporter, who stood in 14 Tests, 22 ODI matches in the period between 1982 to 94 has sought a chunk of the one-time benefit created by the Board of Control for Cricket in India from the earning made of the Indian Premier League. Talking to the Times Of India, Reporter reminded the BCCI of the hard works they have put in for the game and the country and hence they should be compensated at the end of the career in line with the benefits handed out to former cricketers as well.
“This one-time benefit is given in appreciation of your services to the game. If it’s not given after retirement, then when? It would be very much appreciated by us if we also get what former players are getting. If the retired players are getting lakhs or crores as a one-time pay-off, what’s wrong in the umpires getting it? We’ve also served the game,” Reporter said TOI.
“We’ve put in more hours than the players. The players could go back to the pavilion after playing and relax, while the umpire puts in six and a half hours every day in a Test, and seven hours in an ODI. It would be nice to have our contribution remembered too.”
However, he confirmed that the BCCI is giving pension to umpires such as him since the year 2004 that also includes reimbursement of medical expenses up to Rs 5 lakh. He confirmed his pension amount of Rs 22,500 but also complained of no increase in the amount in the last five years.