The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has consistently been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at supporting cricketers—past, present, and future. Among these efforts, the BCCI’s pension scheme is a shining example of how the apex body of Indian cricket honors its players’ contributions. Over the years, this initiative has evolved, reflecting the board’s commitment to its players.
The BCCI Pension Scheme
The BCCI launched its pension scheme in 2012 to honor retired cricketers. The initial framework classified players based on their contribution, offering lump sums of INR 25 Lakh to INR 2.5 Crore, depending on the number of Test matches they played.
Revamp Under Sourav Ganguly
In 2022, Sourav Ganguly spearheaded a significant revamp of the scheme. The revised structure doubled pension amounts across various tiers, benefiting both men and women cricketers. This move was lauded as a milestone in player welfare.
Prominent Players and Their Pension Details
Male Cricketers
Vinod Kambli: Known for his flamboyant batting, Kambli now relies on a monthly pension of INR 30,000.
Sachin Tendulkar: The Master Blaster, with his illustrious career, receives INR 70,000 per month.
Yuvraj Singh: A World Cup hero, Yuvraj earns INR 60,000 monthly.
Sunil Gavaskar: The legendary opener draws a pension of INR 70,000.
MS Dhoni: The iconic captain enjoys INR 70,000 per month in retirement.
Female Cricketers
Anjum Chopra: The trailblazing former captain receives INR 52,500 per month.
Mithali Raj: One of the greatest in women’s cricket, Mithali also earns INR 52,500 monthly.
Breakdown of Pension Categories
Men’s Players
Former First-Class Players:
Previous Amount: INR 15,000 per month
Revised Amount: INR 30,000 per month
Former Test Players (Lower Tier):
Previous Amount: INR 37,500 per month
Revised Amount: INR 60,000 per month
Former Test Players (Upper Tier):
Previous Amount: INR 50,000 per month
Revised Amount: INR 70,000 per month
Women’s Players Former
Women International Players:
Previous Amount: INR 30,000 per month
Revised Amount: INR 52,500 per month
Women First-Class Players (Retired before 2003):
Previous Amount: INR 22,500 per month
Revised Amount: INR 45,000 per month
The scheme provides a lifeline for retired players, ensuring they can sustain a comfortable lifestyle post-retirement. By extending benefits to women cricketers, the BCCI has taken a commendable step towards leveling the playing field.
Challenges and Criticism
Some critics argue that the current pensions might not suffice for players with limited earning opportunities post-retirement. There’s a growing call to periodically review pension amounts and expand benefits to include more retired players.
The BCCI’s pension scheme is a testament to its commitment to the welfare of cricketers. While it has transformed the lives of many retired players, there’s always room for further improvement. As the cricketing fraternity grows, so must the initiatives to support those who have given their all to the sport.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagramfor more such updates.