Sharjah: The leading cricket umpires in the UAE have decided to stop working following a hike of just Dh10 (USD 3) to their match fees.

`Our match fees have remained unchanged for nearly 20 years,` explained Tariq Butt, UAE`s most experienced umpire. `We receive just Dh65 (USD 20) for 25-over games as well as Twenty20 matches, and Dh130 (USD 40) for one-day 50-over matches.`

The umpires, who stand for hours under a blazing sun, had asked Sharjah Cricket Council, for Dh200 (USD 60) for calling games. They also wanted a travelling allowance.

The SCC offered an extra Dh10 per game. `We were offered an increase of Dh10 only,` Butt said. `We have decided to abstain from officiating in all future matches organised by the Sharjah Cricket Council.`

The umpires feel their rates are around the lowest anywhere cricket is being played. Following the decision, the Sharjah Ramadan tournament is now being officiated by non-regular umpires.

`We requested the introduction of a grading system based on experience, which would give Dh200 for grade A umpires, Dh150 for grade B and 130 for grade C. We also sought a transport allowance of Dh20 and lunch. All were turned down,` Butt added.

Leading umpires including Fareed Malek, New Zealand umpire Fidel Jaary, Ifthikar Ali, Arshad Ansari, Hassan Javed, Fida Abbas, Rajeev Sharma, Navid Esmail, M.Farook, Sayed Shabir and Hamid Mukhtar have said they will not officiate matches.

`We have to travel to officiate matches in Al Dhaid and with incrseases in petrol prices we asked for a hike, but they refused. It was shocking,` said Ifthikar Ali

`The council has increased their tournament fees and sponsorship charges but our fees alone remained unchanged. It is nothing but a lack of respect to our profession,` added Ali.

`Our protest is not against the council but to uphold the integrity of the umpires. We have been asking for a hike for many years but it has been continuously ignored,` said Malek.