The retirement of former India Captain Ajinkya Rahane from international cricket has renewed attention on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) pension scheme, one of the most established player welfare programmes in world cricket.
Introduced more than two decades ago and significantly enhanced in 2022, the scheme provides monthly financial support to eligible former cricketers and umpires, with payments determined by playing experience and career category.
Current BCCI pension structure
The highest pension bracket is reserved for former Test cricketers who played 25 or more Tests, with eligible beneficiaries receiving ₹70,000 per month (approx. US$737).
Former Test cricketers who played fewer than 25 Tests receive ₹60,000 per month (approx. US$632), while former women international cricketers are entitled to ₹52,500 per month (approx. US$553).
The scheme also covers domestic cricket. Former first-class cricketers who retired before 2003 receive ₹45,000 per month (approx. US$474), while other eligible former first-class players receive ₹30,000 per month (approx. US$316).
Pension payments were increased in 2022
The current payment structure dates back to June 2022, when the BCCI approved substantial increases across every pension category for former cricketers and umpires.
The revision doubled pensions in several categories, with increases ranging from 75% to 100%, lifting the maximum monthly payment to ₹70,000 (approx. US$737) while extending the enhanced benefits to around 900 former cricketers and officials.
How the scheme began
The BCCI first introduced its pension scheme in 2004. According to PTI, the initial programme provided monthly pensions of ₹5,000 (approx. US$53) to 174 former players and officials.
At its launch, eligibility was limited to former Test cricketers and umpires, with players who had represented India only in One-Day Internationals not included in the original scheme.
Over time, the programme has expanded to cover additional categories of former players while substantially increasing the level of financial support available.
Does the pension continue for life?
The scheme is intended to provide long-term financial support to eligible former cricketers and does not have a fixed end date.
However, pension payments may be suspended temporarily if a beneficiary accepts a salaried position with the BCCI or a state cricket association, such as serving as a coach, selector or administrator. Once that employment ends, pension eligibility can resume under the scheme’s provisions.
A cornerstone of player welfare
From an initial monthly payment of ₹5,000 (approx. US$53) when it was introduced in 2004, the BCCI pension scheme has evolved into one of cricket’s most comprehensive player welfare programmes, with eligible former cricketers and umpires now receiving substantially higher monthly support following the 2022 revision.
The 2022 enhancement lifted the highest monthly pension to ₹70,000 (approx. US$737), underscoring how the scheme has expanded over the years to provide greater financial support to former players and officials across Indian cricket.
