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

The BCCI Pension List details the monthly financial support given to retired Indian cricketers under the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s welfare program. It covers former Test players, first-class cricketers, women internationals, and other eligible retirees who meet specific criteria. The updated pension rates provide insight into how the BCCI acknowledges and aids its past players for their contributions to Indian cricket.

Many wonder about the financial stability of cricket legends after retirement. Although their playing days end, senior players often qualify for pensions and benefits offered by the board. Understanding these pensions requires looking at official rules, eligibility, and the latest monthly pension figures paid to former Test and first-class players.

Revised Pension Amounts by Category

The pension scheme applies to players who meet conditions such as having played a minimum number of first-class matches (at least 25) or Test matches before the 2003-04 cutoff. Women who played international cricket or retired before 2003 also qualify. The following list shows the existing and increased pension amounts:

  • First-Class Players (Men, 25-49 matches, pre-2003): ₹15,000 → ₹30,000
  • First-Class Players (Men, 50-74 matches, pre-2003): ₹22,500 → ₹45,000
  • First-Class Players (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 Recipients on the BCCI Pension List

The BCCI pension benefits nearly 900 former players and umpires. Below are some famous 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 ODI Specialist): ₹60,000
  • Mithali Raj (Former Women’s Cricketer): ₹52,500
  • Vinod Kambli (Former Test Cricketer, fewer than 25 Tests): ₹30,000

Profiles of Select Pension Recipients

  • Vinod KambliMatches: 17 Tests, 104 ODIsPension Category: Former Test Cricketer (Monthly Pension: ₹30,000Remarks: Publicly shared financial difficulties
  • Mithali RajMatches: 12 Tests, 232 ODIs, 89 T20IsPension Category: Former Women’s CricketerMonthly Pension: ₹52,500Remarks: All-time leading run-scorer in women's international cricket
  • Yuvraj SinghMatches: 40 Tests, 304 ODIs, 58 T20IsPension Category: Former International Cricketer (ODI/T20)Monthly Pension: ₹60,000Remarks: Star of 2011 World Cup, six sixes in an over in 2007 T20 WC
  • Sourav GangulyMatches: 113 Tests, 311 ODIsPension Category: Former Test Cricketer (50–74 Tests)Monthly Pension: ₹70,000Remarks: Former BCCI President
  • Kapil DevMatches: 131 Tests, 225 ODIsPension Category: Former Test Cricketer (75+ Tests)Monthly Pension: ₹70,000Remarks: Captain of 1983 World Cup-winning team
  • Ajinkya RahaneMatches: 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, 20 T20IsPension Category: Former Test Cricketer (75+ Tests)Monthly Pension: ₹70,000Remarks: Key figure in historic 2020-21 Australia series win
  • Sunil GavaskarMatches: 125 Tests, 108 ODIsPension Category: Former Test Cricketer (75+ Tests)Monthly Pension: ₹70,000Remarks: Among top pension recipients, pivotal in 1983 World Cup squad

Understanding the BCCI Pension Scheme

The scheme supports retired cricketers and umpires with significant careers, usually those with five or more Test matches or a strong first-class record. A revision in 2022 boosted the monthly pensions substantially. Top Test players now receive between ₹60,000 and ₹70,000 monthly, up from ₹37,500–50,000. First-class players get ₹30,000 monthly. Legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Sourav Ganguly receive ₹70,000 reflecting their lengthy contributions, while players with fewer Tests, such as Vinod Kambli, get ₹30,000. The pension scheme mainly offers monetary recognition and aid to those who helped shape Indian cricket.

Common Questions About the BCCI Pension

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

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