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

The BCCI Pension List details the monthly financial support retired Indian cricketers receive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as part of its welfare program. This pension scheme covers former Test players, first-class cricketers, women internationals, and other eligible retirees who meet specific criteria. The updated pension amounts reveal how the board acknowledges and assists former players for their lasting contributions to Indian cricket.

After retiring, many cricket legends face questions about their financial stability and the support the board offers. Though their playing days conclude, numerous senior players become eligible for these pension benefits. Understanding the BCCI's official rules, eligibility standards, and the revised pension list helps clarify how much former Test and first-class players receive monthly.

Pension Categories and Increased Amounts

The pension scheme applies to players who have played a minimum number of first-class matches (25 or more) or Test matches before the 2003-04 cutoff. Women cricketers with international appearances or who retired before 2003 are also included. Below is the pension structure showing both existing and increased monthly payments.

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

Notable Former Cricketers Receiving BCCI Pensions

The pension scheme supports around 900 individuals, including former players and umpires. Here are some famous names and their monthly pension amounts under the current system.

• 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

Profile Highlights of Selected Pension Recipients

• Vinod KambliMatches Played: 17 Tests, 104 ODIs
• Category: Former Test Cricketer (<25 Tests)
• Monthly Pension: ₹30,000
• Remarks: Has publicly discussed financial struggles; receives vital support.

• Matches Played: 12 Tests, 232 ODIs, 89 T20Is
• Category: Former Women’s Cricketer
• Monthly Pension: ₹52,500
• Remarks: All-time leading women’s international run-scorer with over 10,000 runs.

• Matches Played: 40 Tests, 304 ODIs, 58 T20Is
• Category: Former International Cricketer (Limited overs)
• Monthly Pension: ₹60,000
• Remarks: Key player in India’s 2011 World Cup win; known for six sixes in an over (2007 T20 WC).

• Matches Played: 113 Tests, 311 ODIs
• Category: Former Test Cricketer (50–74 Tests)
• Monthly Pension: ₹70,000
• Remarks: Former BCCI President and India captain; prolific run-scorer.

• Matches Played: 131 Tests, 225 ODIs
• Category: Former Test Cricketer (75+ Tests)
• Monthly Pension: ₹70,000
• Remarks: 1983 World Cup-winning captain; legendary all-rounder.

• Matches Played: 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, 20 T20Is
• Category: Former Test Cricketer (75+ Tests)
• Monthly Pension: ₹70,000
• Remarks: Known for leadership and key role in India’s 2020-21 Australia series win.

• Matches Played: 125 Tests, 108 ODIs
• Category: Former Test Cricketer (75+ Tests)
• Monthly Pension: ₹70,000
• Remarks: Pioneer in Indian cricket; excellent opener against fast bowling.

Understanding the BCCI Pension Scheme

The BCCI pension fund provides financial aid to retired Indian cricketers and umpires who have played five or more Tests or substantial first-class cricket. Revised in 2022, it significantly raised pensions. Now, Test players receive between ₹60,000 and ₹70,000 monthly, up from ₹37,500–₹50,000, while first-class players get ₹30,000. Icons like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Sourav Ganguly are at the top tier with ₹70,000 pensions, whereas Vinod Kambli receives ₹30,000 due to fewer Tests played. The scheme expresses gratitude by supporting those who shaped Indian cricket.

Frequently Asked Questions

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