Umpires with Most Matches in IPL often go unnoticed, yet they are the silent guardians of cricket, ensuring the game is played fairly and smoothly. In a tournament as intense as the Indian Premier League (IPL), the role of an umpire becomes even more vital. These officials handle everything from last-ball thrillers to heated player appeals—and they do it with precision, poise, and integrity.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 most experienced umpires in IPL history, ranked from number 10 to number 1, who have stood tall in pressure moments and earned the respect of players and fans alike.
List of Top 10 Umpires with Most Matches in IPL History
10. Bruce Oxenford (Australia)
Known for his distinct arm shield that protected him from potential blows, Bruce Oxenford brought international finesse to IPL umpiring. Between 2012 and 2023, he officiated 64 IPL matches, often taking charge of high-pressure encounters. A former Queensland cricketer turned respected umpire, Oxenford was always a calm figure on the field and remains a notable name among the umpires with most matches in IPL history.
His ability to make tight decisions and maintain authority amidst crowd roars made him a dependable name in the umpiring community.
| Umpire | Span | Matches Officiated |
| BNJ Oxenford | 2012–2023 | 64 |
9. Marais Erasmus (South Africa)
Marais Erasmus is widely respected across the cricketing world for his impeccable judgment, calm demeanor, and consistent decision-making skills. Known for his professionalism and fair approach, Erasmus has made a lasting impact in the Indian Premier League. Between 2009 and 2022, he stood in 68 IPL matches, earning admiration from players, coaches, and fans alike. His composed nature brought a sense of balance and credibility to every match he officiated. In the discussion of Umpires with Most Matches in IPL, Marais Erasmus’s name stands out as one of the most experienced and reliable figures in the league’s umpiring history.
Erasmus was regularly chosen for high-stakes games, thanks to his sharp eye and international umpiring pedigree, making him one of the Umpires with Most Matches in IPL. His deep understanding of the game allowed him to interpret situations with maturity and confidence.
| Umpire | Span | Matches Officiated |
| M Erasmus | 2009–2022 | 68 |
8. VK Sharma (India)
VK Sharma has been steadily building his legacy in the Indian Premier League since making his debut in 2016. As one of the Umpires with Most Matches in IPL, he has become a consistent presence on the field, known for his sharp decisions and calm demeanor under pressure. With 69 matches under his belt as of 2025, Sharma has demonstrated the qualities required to officiate on India’s biggest cricketing stage. His journey highlights the dedication and precision that top umpires bring to the league, earning him recognition among the most experienced and trusted officials in the history of the IPL.
His consistency and authoritative on-field presence have helped him gain a reputation as one of the Umpires with Most Matches in IPL, establishing himself as one of the most promising Indian umpires of the modern era.
| Umpire | Span | Matches Officiated |
| VK Sharma | 2016–2025 | 69 |
7. KN Ananthapadmanabhan (India)
A former Kerala cricketer, KN Ananthapadmanabhan has successfully translated his rich cricketing experience into umpiring excellence, earning his place among the umpires with most matches in IPL history. Since making his debut as an umpire in the Indian Premier League in 2016, he has officiated in 75 matches, consistently showcasing his tactical insight, sharp decision-making skills, and calm presence on the field. His transition from a player to one of the most reliable officials in the league underlines his deep understanding of the game, making him a standout name among the seasoned umpires with most matches in IPL records.
What sets him apart is his understanding of the game’s rhythm and player psychology—making him a trusted figure among players and coaches alike.
| Umpire | Span | Matches Officiated |
| KN Ananthapadmanabhan | 2016–2025 | 75 |
6. Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand)
Chris Gaffaney brought his World Cup experience into the IPL and added immense value with his cool head under pressure. Since 2015, he has stood in 79 matches, frequently managing tense finishes and super overs with calm authority. As one of the umpires with most matches in IPL, Gaffaney has earned a solid reputation for his consistency and sharp decision-making. His ability to stay composed in high-stakes situations has made him a trusted official in the league. Gaffaney’s presence reflects the growing importance of experienced international umpires contributing to the professionalism and credibility of the Indian Premier League.
His composed approach and ability to make quick, accurate calls make him a valued figure in the umpiring fraternity worldwide.
| Umpire | Span | Matches Officiated |
| CB Gaffaney | 2015–2025 | 79 |
5. C Shamshuddin (India)
Although not as high-profile as some of his peers, C Shamshuddin has been a cornerstone of IPL umpiring for almost a decade. From 2012 to 2021, he officiated in 89 Indian Premier League matches, consistently maintaining high standards of decision-making. His name often features in discussions about Umpires with Most Matches in IPL, thanks to his dedication, calm presence, and accurate officiating. While he may not have grabbed the spotlight like others, his contribution to the smooth conduct of matches has been invaluable. Shamshuddin’s steady performances have made him one of the most respected figures among IPL umpires over the years.
Known for letting his decisions speak for themselves, Shamshuddin rarely made the headlines—and that’s usually a sign of a good umpire.
| Umpire | Span | Matches Officiated |
| C Shamshuddin | 2012–2021 | 89 |
4. HDPK Dharmasena (Sri Lanka)
Kumar Dharmasena, a former World Cup-winning cricketer, has become one of the most sought-after umpires globally, especially known for his consistent performances in the Indian Premier League. With his IPL stint spanning from 2009 to 2024, Dharmasena officiated in an impressive 98 matches, making him one of the top Umpires with Most Matches in IPL. His ability to maintain fairness and balance on the field has earned him widespread respect. Throughout his career, Dharmasena has been a figure of composure and precision, even during the most intense matchups, solidifying his place as a leading umpire in global cricket.
His credibility and calmness under fire have earned him numerous playoff and final assignments over the years.
| Umpire | Span | Matches Officiated |
| HDPK Dharmasena | 2009–2024 | 98 |
3. Nitin Menon (India)
Nitin Menon has emerged as one of the finest umpires of the new era, establishing himself among the umpires with most matches in IPL history. Between 2016 and 2025, Menon has already officiated 107 matches in the Indian Premier League, earning a reputation for his sharp decision-making, quick reflexes, and exceptional accuracy with the Decision Review System (DRS). His remarkable consistency and reliability have made him one of the most trusted names in the game, as he continues to set the standard for umpiring in one of the most high-pressure cricket leagues in the world.
He has also earned the respect of top cricketers and commentators worldwide for his no-nonsense approach.
| Umpire | Span | Matches Officiated |
| Nitin Menon | 2016–2025 | 107 |
2. S Ravi (India)
One of India’s most senior umpires, S Ravi, is one of the Umpires with Most Matches in IPL history, having served the tournament from 2009 to 2021. Over his illustrious career, he officiated in 131 IPL matches, tying for the most in tournament history. His deep understanding of Indian playing conditions and exceptional decision-making under pressure made him the go-to choice for crucial and high-stakes games. S Ravi’s consistency and experience in handling the intense atmosphere of the IPL showcased his ability to manage tough situations, earning him respect and recognition as one of the finest umpires in the league.
S Ravi has also officiated in ICC events, which further highlights his standing in world cricket.
| Umpire | Span | Matches Officiated |
| S Ravi | 2009–2021 | 131 |
1. AK Chaudhary (India)
Topping the chart is AK Chaudhary, a name synonymous with reliability in the IPL. Since 2012, he has officiated 131 matches, sharing the record for the most appearances as an umpire in IPL history. His remarkable consistency has earned him a place among the top Umpires with Most Matches in IPL, solidifying his reputation as one of the most trusted figures in the game. AK Chaudhary’s impeccable discipline, accuracy, and calm demeanor have made him a key presence in nearly every season, making him a mainstay in IPL umpiring history and a reference point for future generations.
Chaudhary continues to serve as an example for young umpires across the country, inspiring them to approach the role with dedication and professionalism.
| Umpire | Span | Matches Officiated |
| AK Chaudhary | 2012–2024 | 131 |
Conclusion
While players often take the spotlight in T20 cricket, it’s these unsung heroes—the umpires—who ensure that the game flows with integrity and fairness. The Umpires with Most Matches in IPL have been instrumental in upholding the standards of the game. From remaining calm under pressure to demonstrating razor-sharp decision-making, these 10 officials have shaped the IPL’s journey into a world-class tournament. Their expertise and dedication have made them indispensable in the fast-paced environment of the IPL, where every decision can have a significant impact on the outcome, ensuring that the tournament runs smoothly and fairly for all teams.
They’ve earned not just numbers, but respect—cementing their places as the true guardians of the game.
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