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BCCI Pension List 2025: Monthly Payments to Retired Indian Cricketers

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provides financial support to former Indian cricketers through a pension scheme. This program covers retired Test players, first-class cricketers, women internationals, and other eligible contributors who meet certain criteria. The updated pension rates for 2025 reveal how much these players receive monthly as recognition for their contributions to Indian cricket.

After retiring, many cricketers face questions about their financial security. The BCCI’s pension scheme offers monetary assistance to those who served Indian cricket, ensuring some stability beyond their playing days. To understand this better, we’ll look at the eligibility rules, pension categories, and specific payouts under the current system.

Updated Pension Rates for Former Cricketers

The scheme applies primarily to cricketers who played at least 25 first-class matches or Test matches before the 2003-04 season cutoff. Women international players and those retired before 2003 also qualify. Monthly pension amounts vary by category, as shown below.

  • First-Class Players (Men, 25-49 matches, pre-2003): ₹30,000 (increased from ₹15,000)
  • First-Class Players (Men, 50-74 matches, pre-2003): ₹45,000 (from ₹22,500)
  • First-Class Players (Men, 75+ matches, pre-2003): ₹52,500 (from ₹30,000)
  • Test Players (Men, previously ₹37,500): ₹60,000
  • Test Players (Men, previously ₹50,000): ₹70,000
  • Women International Players: ₹52,500 (from ₹30,000)
  • First-Class Women Players (Retired pre-2003): ₹45,000 (from ₹22,500)

Notable Pension Recipients

The list features around 900 recipients including players and umpires who contributed significantly to Indian cricket. Here are some prominent names with their pension details:

  • Sunil Gavaskar: Former Test cricketer with 75+ Tests, receives ₹70,000 monthly.
  • Ajinkya Rahane: Played 85 Tests, awarded ₹70,000 monthly.
  • Kapil Dev: Legendary all-rounder with 75+ Tests, earns ₹70,000 per month.
  • Sourav Ganguly: 113 Tests, gets ₹70,000 monthly.
  • Yuvraj Singh: Former limited-overs star, pension ₹60,000 monthly.
  • Mithali Raj: Leading women's cricketer, receives ₹52,500 monthly.
  • Vinod Kambli: Fewer than 25 Tests, pensioned ₹30,000 monthly.

Profiles of Selected Players

  • Vinod KambliPlayed 17 Tests and 104 ODIs, scored over 3,000 international runs. He is supported with a ₹30,000 monthly pension under the former Test cricketer category with fewer than 25 Tests. Kambli has openly discussed financial difficulties, making this aid important.
  • Mithali RajRetired women's cricket captain and top scorer with 12 Tests, 232 ODIs, and 89 T20Is. She earns ₹52,500 monthly recognizing her groundbreaking career in Indian women’s cricket.
  • Yuvraj SinghKnown for his all-round performances in 40 Tests, 304 ODIs, and 58 T20Is, including a key role in the 2011 World Cup win. His monthly pension is ₹60,000.
  • Sourav GangulyFormer India captain with 113 Tests and 311 ODIs, credited for leadership on and off the field. Receives ₹70,000 monthly.
  • Kapil Dev1983 World Cup-winning captain and one of cricket’s great all-rounders, played 131 Tests and 225 ODIs. Pension stands at ₹70,000 per month.
  • Ajinkya RahaneTest specialist with 85 matches and multiple centuries, known for resilience and leadership. His pension is ₹70,000 monthly.
  • Sunil GavaskarOne of the pioneers of Indian batting, 125 Tests and 108 ODIs. Included in the top pension bracket receiving ₹70,000 monthly.

Understanding the BCCI Pension Scheme

The BCCI pension fund assists retired cricketers and umpires who played at least five Test matches or had substantial first-class careers. The plan was revised in 2022, significantly raising pensions. Now, Test players get between ₹60,000 and ₹70,000 monthly, while first-class players receive ₹30,000. The pension reflects appreciation for the players’ long-term service to Indian cricket.

Common Questions About the BCCI Pension

  • How much do Test players receive? ₹60,000 to ₹70,000 per month.
  • What is MS Dhoni's pension? ₹70,000 per month.
  • Does Vinod Kambli get a pension? Yes, ₹30,000 monthly.

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