IPL New Umpires 2025 | BCCI Introduces 7 New Indian Umpires for the Season

BCCI Introduces Seven New Indian Umpires for IPL 2025 as Part of Fresh Officiating Push

In a move aimed at nurturing new officiating talent and giving domestic umpires more high-stakes exposure, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has inducted seven new Indian umpires into the panel for the Indian Premier League 2025. The league, which begins March 22, will now feature a fresh crop of officials joining some of the game's most experienced names.

New Indian Umpires for IPL 2025

• Swaroopanand Kannur
• Abhijeet Bhattacharya
• Parashar Joshi
• Anish Sahastrabuddhe
• Keyur Kelkar
• Koushik Gandhi
• Abhijeet Bengeri

The New Faces of Indian Umpiring in IPL 2025

The seven new Indian umpires announced are Swaroopanand Kannur, Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Parashar Joshi, Anish Sahastrabuddhe, Keyur Kelkar, Koushik Gandhi, and Abhijeet Bengeri. These umpires have been selected not just based on their domestic experience, but also for their composure and consistency under pressure essential traits in a tournament as intense as the IPL.

A Special Rise for Koushik Gandhi

Among the newcomers, Koushik Gandhi’s appointment stands out. A former Tamil Nadu batter, Gandhi played 34 first-class matches before switching careers. Despite being only in his second season as an umpire, his rapid rise through the ranks has impressed selectors. After making his mark in domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League, Gandhi is now set to officiate in one of the biggest T20 tournaments in the world.

“He’s shown great decision-making and calm under pressure,” a BCCI source said. “That’s what IPL games demand, and we believe he’s ready for it.”

Veteran Guidance: S Ravi and CK Nandan Step In as Mentors

To ensure a smooth transition for the newcomers, the BCCI has appointed former elite-panel umpires S Ravi and CK Nandan as mentors. Both have years of experience officiating at the international and IPL levels and will work closely with the new recruits throughout the tournament.

This mentor-based approach is part of the BCCI’s broader plan to create a structured development pathway for umpires akin to how players are groomed through the domestic circuit before reaching the top level.

Changes to the Officiating Roster

The 2025 umpiring panel also sees a few notable exits. Kumar Dharmasena, the former Sri Lankan spinner and an ICC Elite Panel member, who was a regular feature in IPL seasons, will not officiate this year. Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary, another familiar face, has moved on to television commentary and will not take part in this edition.

International Names Return

The IPL 2025 umpiring lineup will also feature three experienced international umpires: Michael Gough from England, Chris Gaffaney from New Zealand, and Adrian Holdstock from South Africa. Their inclusion brings a global edge to the officiating team, ensuring a blend of experience and fresh perspective.

Why This Move Matters

Officiating in the IPL is not just about calling no-balls and wides it’s a high-stress, high-visibility job with millions watching and teams relying on razor-sharp calls. The introduction of new Indian umpires reflects the BCCI's intention to build a larger pool of world-class officials. With Hawk-Eye now assisting in wide and no-ball decisions, umpires are expected to blend sound judgment with technological coordination.

Additionally, giving domestic umpires a platform like the IPL prepares them for international assignments, a process the BCCI is clearly investing in.

What To Expect

With increased scrutiny, broadcast attention, and technology integration, IPL 2025 presents a tough but rewarding challenge for the new umpires. Their decisions will be reviewed, replayed, and discussed in real time. But for Indian cricket, this step signals a long-term vision an investment in homegrown officials who can eventually dominate the world stage just like the players they officiate.

As the league continues to grow in size, stakes, and scope, building depth in every department including umpiring is not just smart planning. It’s necessary. And this season, all eyes won't just be on the players. Some of the biggest moments could come from the men in the middle.