Retired Indian cricketers earn varying pensions based on their playing history, with recent increases reflecting the financial disparities in the sport compared to modern players’ earnings.
The Financial Landscape of Indian Cricket: From Player Earnings to Pensions
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is renowned as the wealthiest cricket board globally, with cricket often regarded as a religion in India. Have you ever considered the earnings of retired cricketers in India?
Recent developments indicate that established players are increasingly drawn to lucrative franchise cricket leagues, leading to a notable shift in player dynamics. This shift has sparked discussions about the pension system for former players, especially in light of recent controversies regarding star players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who were left off the central contract list despite being fit for domestic cricket.
The BCCI’s pension for former cricketers has recently gained attention, especially after the board announced an increase in monthly pensions for both male and female players in 2022. Kapil Dev, the iconic former captain, expressed his appreciation for this initiative, highlighting its positive impact on the families of many past players. The pensions for former first-class cricketers rose from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000, while Test players saw increases from Rs 37,500 to Rs 60,000, with the highest tier jumping from Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000.
Expressing his satisfaction, Kapil Dev highlighted the much-needed boost that the increased pension provides to the families depending on these funds. The move by BCCI is not only a nod to the contributions of former cricketers but also a commendable step towards supporting their post-retirement lives.
