BCCI Pension List For Indian Cricketers - Full Scheme & Benefits

4.4 (16) In India, cricket is more than a sport; it’s a shared emotion, a celebration, and a powerful national identity. While today’s cricketers are achieving global fame, stars of yesteryear often lacked the financial opportunities afforded to newcomers. Many players played purely out of passion, long before cricket became commercially popular. To ensure these […]

In India, cricket is more than a sport; it’s a shared emotion, a celebration, and a powerful national identity. While today’s cricketers are achieving global fame, stars of yesteryear often lacked the financial opportunities afforded to newcomers. Many players played purely out of passion, long before cricket became commercially popular. To ensure these legends are taken care of after retirement, the BCCI launched a comprehensive pension plan. Over the years, the plan has undergone several revisions, and a major overhaul is proposed in June 2022. Several pension amounts have been doubled to support nearly 900 former players and umpires.

This blog analyzes the BCCI’s comprehensive pension plan, its evolution, and how it compares with global cricket boards.

How BCCI Pension Scheme Began: The Evolution

The idea of providing lifelong financial assistance to former cricketers came about after the BCCI recognized the players’ efforts. Under the leadership of former BCCI presidents Jagmohan Dalmiya and later Sourav Ganguly, the board took significant steps to formalize this welfare scheme.

Early Policies: Monthly Gratis Scheme (2004)

The first structured pension initiative was the Monthly Gratis Scheme, launched in 2004. It offered:

₹10,000 per month to those Test cricketers who are retired and umpires who played before the year 1975 December.
Later expanded for:
ODI players
First-class players
Women cricketers
Widows of deceased players

This was India’s first strong attempt at honoring its retired cricketing community.

Expansion in 2006

In 2006, BCCI revised the scheme to include:

Test cricketers who retired before 2004
Retired First-class players
Match referees
Umpires with long domestic careers
Women’s Test cricketers

The pension amounts were linked to the number of matches played, ensuring fairness.

Landmark Revision in 2022 (Pensions Doubled)

On June 1, 2022, the BCCI announced one of the biggest welfare reforms in its history. The pension amount was increased from 75% to 100%, benefiting approximately 900 people, including:

Men’s cricketers
Women’s cricketers
Umpires
Match referees

Current BCCI Pension Structure (2025 Updated)

The pension amount depends on gender, match experience, format, and retirement timeline.

Below is the complete breakdown.

Pension for Male Cricketers

1. Former Test Cricketers

Category	Previous Pension	Revised Pension (2022-2025)
Test Cricketers (₹37,500 earlier)	₹37,500	₹60,000
Senior Test Category	₹50,000	₹70,000

2. First-Class Cricketers

Category	Previous	Revised
First-Class Players	₹15,000	₹30,000
Pre-2003 First-Class Players (Special Category)	₹22,500	₹45,000

First-class cricket forms the backbone of Indian cricket. And many cricketers who represented their states but not India rely on this support.

Pension for Female Cricketers

1. India International Women Cricketers

Previous	Revised
₹30,000	₹52,500

2. Women First-Class (Pre-2003 Retired)

Previous	Revised
₹22,500	₹45,000

This change played a crucial role in improving women’s cricket welfare. It is especial for players who played when the sport lacked financial backing.

State-Level Cricket Pension Schemes

Apart from BCCI, several state boards now provide independent pensions to former Ranji Trophy players.

1. Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA)

Launched in 2016, RCA provides:

₹5,000 per month (5 -14 Ranji matches)
₹7,500 per month (15 -24 Ranji matches)

This scheme was temporarily paused but is now reinstated, benefiting 39 players.

2. Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA)

GCA’s pension scheme (since 2011) supports nearly 150 ex-Ranji players, making it one of India’s largest state welfare systems.

6 Notable BCCI Pension Beneficiaries (With Monthly Pension)

Here are some of the most recognized names receiving pensions today:

1. Vinod Kambli – ₹30,000/month

Known for his flamboyant left-handed strokeplay and back-to-back double centuries.

2. Yuvraj Singh – ₹60,000/month

2011 World Cup hero and Player of the Tournament.

3. Mithali Raj – ₹52,500/month

Highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket and two-time World Cup finalist.

4. Sunil Gavaskar – ₹70,000/month

First player to score 10,000 Test runs.

5. Kapil Dev – ₹70,000/month

Led India to the 1983 World Cup win; one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders.

6. Sourav Ganguly – ₹70,000/month

Known for his aggressive leadership, rebuilding Team India, and later heading BCCI

Role of the Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA)

Formed in 2019, ICA represents retired cricketers and works closely with BCCI for:

Pension reforms
Medical reimbursements
Welfare programs

When the pension increase was announced in 2022, the ICA issued a strong statement praising it.

An important point: The medical reimbursement limit for players who have played 10+ first-class matches has been increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.

The ICA will continue to play a vital role in protecting the financial stability of retired cricketers.

How BCCI Pension Compares With Other Cricket Boards?

Cricket Australia (CA)

Operates the Australian Cricketers’ Retirement Account (ACRA).
Retirement fund accumulates through investments.
No monthly pension as players receive lump-sum post-career payouts

England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB)

Focuses on enhancing current player contracts.
2024 women’s contracts increased 30%, now ranging between (94.5 lakh – 1.36 crore rupees)
No recurring monthly pension system.

Also Read: Top 10 Richest Cricket Boards In The World (2025): BCCI Ranks 1st

Average BCCI Pension for Indian Cricketers

The average pension amount after the 2022 revision is:

₹58,750 per month

This varies by category:

Test Cricketers: ₹60,000-₹70,000
First-Class Cricketers: ₹30,000-₹45,000
Women International Players: ₹52,500
Domestic Women: ₹45,000

This scheme ensures financial dignity and recognizes decades of service to Indian cricket.

Conclusion

The BCCI Pension Scheme is one of the most influential welfare programs in world cricket. Its average pension is ₹58,750 per month. In other words, it plays a vital role in securing the future of the men and women who laid the foundation for India’s cricketing success. From Test legends to domestic heroes, this scheme honors their invaluable contributions to the nation.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who is eligible for the BCCI pension scheme?

Eligibility is based on:

Number of matches played
Format (Test, ODI, First-Class, Women’s International)
Retirement date
Umpiring or officiating experience

Male and, female cricketers, and widows of dead cricketers are eligible under specific categories

Q2. Do current Indian cricketers get pensions from BCCI?

No. Only retired cricketers receive pensions. Active players earn through contracts, IPL salaries, match fees, and endorsements.

Q3. How much pension does a retired Test cricketer get?

As per the latest structure:

₹60,000 per month (general category)
₹70,000 per month (senior category retirees)

Q4. Do First-Class cricketers also get pensions?

Yes. BCCI offers:

₹30,000 per month for regular First-class players
₹45,000 per month for pre-2003 retired First-class women and men

This support is crucial for players who never had IPL-era earning opportunities.

Q5. Do women cricketers receive BCCI pensions?

Yes. Women’s cricket is fully covered under the pension program.

International women: ₹52,500/month
Domestic women (pre-2003): ₹45,000/month

BCCI Pension List For Indian Cricketers – Full Scheme & Benefits