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

The BCCI provides financial support to retired Indian cricketers through a pension scheme that recognizes their service to the game. This welfare program covers former Test players, first-class cricketers, women internationals, and other eligible retirees who meet specific criteria. The updated pension structure for 2025 details monthly payments across various categories, offering insight into how the board supports past contributors to Indian cricket.

When cricket legends retire, fans often wonder about their financial stability. While retirement closes their playing chapter, many become eligible for pensions and benefits from the BCCI. Understanding the rules, eligibility, and payment brackets sheds light on how the board honours these players.

Pension Categories and Monthly Payments

The pension scheme applies to players who have played at least 25 first-class matches or participated in Test cricket before the 2003-04 cutoff. Women cricketers who represented India internationally or retired before 2003 are also covered. Below is the breakdown of existing and increased pensions paid by the BCCI:

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

Notable Recipients of BCCI Pension

The pension list covers around 900 individuals including former players and umpires who contributed significantly to Indian cricket. Here are some prominent cricketers and their monthly pension amounts:

• 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

Profiles of Selected Players and Their Pension Details

• Vinod KambliMatches: 17 Tests, 104 ODIsCategory: Former Test Cricketer (<25 Tests)Monthly Pension: ₹30,000Note: Has openly discussed financial difficulties, making this pension important support.
• Mithali RajMatches: 12 Tests, 232 ODIs, 89 T20IsCategory: Former Women’s CricketerMonthly Pension: ₹52,500Note: All-time leading run-scorer in women's international cricket.
• Yuvraj SinghMatches: 40 Tests, 304 ODIs, 58 T20IsCategory: Former International Cricketer (limited overs)Monthly Pension: ₹60,000Note: Key player in 2011 World Cup victory and known for six sixes in an over.
• Sourav GangulyMatches: 113 Tests, 311 ODIsCategory: Former Test Cricketer (50–74 Tests)Monthly Pension: ₹70,000Note: Former BCCI President and celebrated captain.
• Kapil DevMatches: 131 Tests, 225 ODIsCategory: Former Test Cricketer (75+ Tests)Monthly Pension: ₹70,000Note: Captain of the 1983 World Cup-winning team and legendary all-rounder.
• Ajinkya RahaneMatches: 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, 20 T20IsCategory: Former Test Cricketer (75+ Tests)Monthly Pension: ₹70,000Note: Known for leadership and resilience, led historic series win in Australia 2020-21.
• Sunil GavaskarMatches: 125 Tests, 108 ODIsCategory: Former Test Cricketer (75+ Tests)Monthly Pension: ₹70,000Note: Pioneer in Indian cricket and vital member of 1983 World Cup squad.

How the BCCI Pension Scheme Works

The BCCI pension fund supports retired players and umpires who have played five or more Test matches or have significant first-class experience. The scheme was updated in 2022, increasing pensions substantially. Now, Test cricketers receive between ₹60,000 and ₹70,000 monthly, up from ₹37,500 to ₹50,000 previously, while first-class players get ₹30,000. Icons like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Sourav Ganguly are in the top bracket with ₹70,000 per month. This system serves as a gesture of gratitude and financial aid for those who shaped Indian cricket’s legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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