New ICA Scheme Offers ₹1 Lakh Aid to Spouses of Deceased Members

The Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA) has introduced a new welfare plan to help the families of its late members. In its second board meeting of the 2025-26 financial year, held in Bengaluru on August 25, the ICA decided that the spouses of deceased members will receive a one-time support of ₹1 lakh.

ICA Announces New Welfare Plan for Families of Deceased Members

The plan, once approved, will help about 50 families in the first stage. The ICA made it clear that this scheme is separate from the one-time benefit already given to members themselves. It will also not include the spouses of former Test cricketers, as they are already covered under other support plans.

"The initiative reflects ICA's continuing commitment to honour the contributions of cricketers and to extend meaningful support to their families in times of need," the association said in a statement.

The board also noted that the scheme would be periodically reviewed, with potential revisions depending on the introduction of any pension plan for widows and widowers by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA), formed in July 2019 and recognised by the BCCI, speaks for more than 1,750 former Indian players. Its main role is to look after the needs and welfare of its members. In the past few years, it has started different schemes to give financial help and medical support.

One of the important steps already taken is the Senior Member Recognition Programme. Under this, about 170 former players over the age of 60, who don’t get any pension or benefit from the BCCI or their state associations, were each given a one-time amount of ₹1,00,000 as a mark of respect and gratitude for their contribution to the game.

ICA’s Efforts to Support Former Cricketers and Their Families

The ICA has started a group health insurance plan that gives cover of up to Rs 2.5 lakh to 1,079 eligible members. It has also introduced a yearly health check-up that includes 43 tests for members and their spouses. So far, over 2,200 people across India have used this benefit, with the tests done at home for their comfort and convenience. In addition, the association has provided emergency financial assistance, with one-time grants of up to Rs 1,00,000 made available to members facing urgent medical costs. To date, 77 members have received support through this fund.

With this new scheme for the spouses of late members, the ICA said it wants to stay true to its promise of standing by cricketers and their families even after their playing days are over, making sure the cricketing community feels cared for in difficult times.
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