Kenya Sport

BCCI Pension List: Monthly Payments to Retired Indian Cricketers in 2025

The BCCI Pension List details the financial support that retired Indian cricketers receive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) through its welfare program. This scheme covers former Test players, first-class cricketers, women internationals, and other eligible retirees meeting certain criteria. The latest pension structure clarifies monthly payouts across categories, showing how BCCI honours those who contributed significantly to Indian cricket over the years.

Many wonder about the financial security of legendary cricketers after they retire. While their playing days end, many qualify for pensions and welfare benefits. To understand this support system, we look at the official rules, eligibility, and the current pension amounts paid to former Test and first-class players.

Pension Categories and Monthly Amounts

The pension scheme applies mainly to players who appeared in at least 25 first-class matches or Tests before the 2003-04 season cutoff. Women cricketers who played internationally or retired before 2003 also qualify. Below is the breakdown of existing and increased monthly pensions by category:

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

Notable Former Cricketers and Their Monthly Pensions

The following list highlights some famous players receiving pensions from BCCI based on their category and contributions:

  • Sunil Gavaskar – Former Test Cricketer (75+ Tests): ₹70,000
  • Ajinkya Rahane – Former International Cricketer (85 Tests): ₹70,000
  • Kapil Dev – Former Test Cricketer (75+ Tests): ₹70,000
  • Sourav Ganguly – Former Test Cricketer (50–74 Tests): ₹70,000
  • Yuvraj Singh – Former International (ODIs only): ₹60,000
  • Mithali Raj – Former Women’s Cricketer: ₹52,500
  • Vinod Kambli – Former Test Cricketer (<25 Tests): ₹30,000

Details on Selected Players

  • Vinod Kambli: Played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs, scored over 3,000 international runs. Receives ₹30,000 monthly under the category for fewer than 25 Tests. He has openly discussed his financial struggles.
  • Mithali Raj: Legendary women's captain with over 10,000 international runs in 12 Tests, 232 ODIs, and 89 T20Is. She receives ₹52,500 monthly as a former women’s cricketer.
  • Yuvraj Singh: Famous all-rounder and 2011 World Cup hero, with 40 Tests, 304 ODIs, and 58 T20Is, scoring 10,000+ runs and taking 100+ wickets. Gets ₹60,000 per month.
  • Sourav Ganguly: Former captain and BCCI President, played 113 Tests and 311 ODIs, amassing 18,000+ runs. Receives ₹70,000 monthly.
  • Kapil Dev: 1983 World Cup-winning captain, played 131 Tests and 225 ODIs, with over 8,000 runs and 400+ wickets. Gets ₹70,000 per month.
  • Ajinkya Rahane: Middle-order batsman and former Test vice-captain, with 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is. He receives ₹70,000 monthly.
  • Sunil Gavaskar: Pioneer Indian opener with 125 Tests and 108 ODIs, scoring over 10,000 runs. Receives ₹70,000 monthly.

What Is the BCCI Pension Scheme?

The BCCI pension fund supports retired Indian cricketers and umpires who have played five or more Test matches or have significant first-class experience. Revised in 2022, pensions increased substantially. Now, Test players get between ₹60,000 and ₹70,000 monthly, up from ₹37,500–50,000. First-class players receive ₹30,000. Icons like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Sourav Ganguly earn the top pension of ₹70,000, while players with fewer matches, such as Vinod Kambli, receive less. The scheme shows gratitude by providing financial aid to those who shaped Indian cricket.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much is the BCCI pension? Test players get ₹60,000–70,000 monthly; first-class players get ₹30,000.
  • What is MS Dhoni's pension? MS Dhoni receives ₹70,000 monthly from BCCI.
  • Does Vinod Kambli get a pension? Yes, he receives ₹30,000 per month.

Related Articles