BCCI Pension Scheme 2025: Updated Benefits & Eligibility for Indian Cricketers

In India, cricket is not a sport; it is an emotion. Nowadays, cricketers are enjoying fame, money, and a life of comfort. However, the overwhelming majority of former cricketers become anonymous and unknown after their retirements, and many face hardships in their lives.

The BCCI initiated this pension for former cricket players. The pension was established so that retired cricketers would be able to receive some monetary benefit to live a life with respect, and without fear of poverty or cognisance of financial hardship.

The BCCI actually increased the pension significantly in 2022, and that has helped so many former cricketers of the past, I say without reservation. This pension is a monthly gift of financial support to be able to afford a better life, as they go on living their life. Some former cricketing legends and illustrious cricketers who receive pensions today are Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, or Vinod Kambli.

Evolution of BCCI’s Pension Scheme

The BCCI started a pension scheme to support cricketers and officials after they retired. Sourav Ganguly said that it is important to take care of former players and umpires because they are the real reason cricket is strong in India. He said that umpires also worked hard but never got much recognition.

The pension scheme began in 2004. At that time, retired Test cricketers and umpires received ₹5,000 every month. Around 174 people got help from this scheme. Everyone got the same amount, whether they played one Test or fifty Tests. But those who only played or umpired in ODI matches were not included then. The scheme was later changed and improved in 2009 and 2015.

The BCCI also started a Platinum Pension Scheme in 2004. It gave ₹10,000 per month to Test players and umpires who played before December 1975. Later, the scheme expanded to include widows of former players, domestic first-class cricketers based on the number of matches they played, ODI players, ODI umpires, and women cricketers.

Major Revisions in 2022

State-Level Pension Programs

Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA)

The Rajasthan Cricket Association started a pension scheme in April 2016 to support former Ranji Trophy players. At that time, 42 ex-players were given monthly pensions. Players who had played 5–14 matches received ₹5,000 every month. Players who had played 15–24 matches received ₹7,500 every month. The scheme stopped for a short time but has now started again. Currently, 39 former players are receiving the pension.

Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA)

The Gujarat Cricket Association introduced a pension scheme in 2011 to help former Ranji cricketers. Around 150 ex-players benefited from it. The pension amount depended on how many first-class matches they played: up to 8 matches – ₹3,500 per month, up to 16 matches – ₹5,500 per month, up to 24 matches – ₹7,500 per month. Only players who represented Gujarat before the 2003–04 season could apply. The pension payments officially started on 1 November 2010.

Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA)

In September 2011, DDCA launched a pension scheme for former Delhi Ranji Trophy players and umpires. Players who played 1–4 matches received a one-time payment of ₹2,00,000. Players who played 4–15 matches received ₹7,000 per month. Players who played 15–24 matches received ₹9,000 per month. The scheme was only for players who retired before 2003. A list of 64 former players and 4 umpires was made. Umpires who officiated 15–29 matches received ₹7,000 per month. Umpires who officiated 30 or more matches received ₹9,000 per month.

Top 6 Former Player BCCI Pension Beneficiaries

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by Dwijesh November 22, 2025