List of Indian cricketers and their estimated BCCI pension — men's and women's list 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced its pension scheme to provide financial support to former cricketers after retirement. Many players from earlier generations represented India when cricket did not offer the financial rewards it does today. Over the years, the BCCI has revised the pension scheme several times to improve the welfare of retired players and match officials.

In June 2022, the BCCI announced a major revision to the pension scheme, with several pension amounts being doubled. The updated plan benefits nearly 900 former cricketers and umpires, ensuring better financial security for those who contributed to Indian cricket. The scheme covers former Test players, first-class cricketers, women cricketers, and match officials based on the board's eligibility criteria.

In this article, we take a detailed look at the estimated BCCI pension list for former Indian men's and women's cricketers in 2026. We also explain the different pension categories, eligibility rules, and how the BCCI's pension system supports retired players who helped shape the history of Indian cricket.

What is the BCCI pension scheme?

The BCCI Pension Scheme is a welfare program that provides financial support to retired Indian cricketers and former umpires. It was introduced to help players who represented India or played domestic cricket before the sport became financially rewarding. In 2022, the BCCI revised the scheme and significantly increased the monthly pension amounts. Under the updated plan, former Test cricketers receive Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000 per month, while eligible first-class players receive Rs 30,000 per month.

The scheme is designed to provide financial security to former players after retirement and recognise their contribution to Indian cricket. Several former stars, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, and Vinod Kambli, currently receive pensions under the scheme. Later in this article, we will share the estimated BCCI pension amounts for these and other former Indian men's and women's cricketers.

How does the BCCI pension scheme work? Eligibility and amount explained

The BCCI introduced its Pension Scheme in 2004 to provide financial support to retired Indian cricketers and umpires. The first structured welfare programme, known as the Monthly Gratis Scheme, initially offered a monthly pension to retired Test cricketers and umpires. Over time, the scheme was expanded to include ODI players, first-class cricketers, women cricketers, match referees, and the widows of deceased players, making it one of the biggest welfare initiatives in Indian cricket.

The pension scheme has been revised several times to provide better financial security. In 2006, the BCCI expanded the eligibility criteria and linked pension amounts to the number of matches played, ensuring a fairer system. The board also introduced the Platinum Pension Scheme for senior retired Test cricketers and umpires who played before December 1975. Further revisions in 2009 and 2015 improved the scheme, while women cricketers and domestic players were also brought under its benefits.

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A major overhaul came on June 1, 2022, when the BCCI doubled several pension amounts, benefiting nearly 900 former cricketers, umpires, and match referees. Today, the pension amount depends on factors such as the player's gender, the number of international and domestic matches played, and the period in which they represented India. The scheme continues to provide long-term financial support to former players in recognition of their contribution to Indian cricket.

BCCI pension list: Existing pension and increased pension

The BCCI pension scheme covers retired cricketers who meet specific eligibility criteria, including players who featured in 25 or more first-class matches or represented India in Test cricket before the 2003-04 cut-off. The scheme also includes eligible women international cricketers and retired first-class women players. In 2022, the BCCI revised the pension structure and increased the monthly pension for several categories of former players.

The revised pension scheme significantly improved the financial support available to retired cricketers. Former Test players, first-class cricketers and women cricketers now receive higher monthly pensions based on their playing careers. The updated pension amounts are aimed at recognising the contribution of players who helped build Indian cricket before the sport became financially rewarding.

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Apart from the BCCI pension scheme, the Indian Cricketers Association (ICA) continues to support former players through several welfare initiatives. These include one-time financial assistance for eligible families, health insurance, annual medical check-ups, and emergency financial aid for retired cricketers facing financial difficulties. These programmes provide additional support and improve the welfare of former players across the country.

BCCI estimated pension list of former cricketers (male and female list)

The BCCI Pension List includes former Indian cricketers who have made significant contributions to the game. The pension scheme is designed to provide financial support to retired players and honour their service to Indian cricket. As one of the world's richest cricket boards, the BCCI offers monthly pensions to eligible former men's and women's cricketers based on their playing careers and pension category.

The pension amount varies depending on a player's international and domestic record, as well as the category under which they qualify. Former legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh, Mithali Raj, and Vinod Kambli are among the well-known names who receive financial assistance through the BCCI pension scheme. Their monthly pensions are based on the revised welfare policy introduced by the board.

Below is the estimated BCCI pension list of former Indian men's and women's cricketers, along with their pension category and estimated monthly pension. The figures are based on the latest available BCCI pension structure and are intended to provide an overview of the board's welfare support for retired players.

Pension for Male Cricketers

Former Test Cricketers

First-Class Cricketers

Pension for Female Cricketers

International Women Cricketers

First-Class Women Cricketers (Retired Before 2003)