New Delhi | April 03,2026 | SKY LINK TIMES
MPCA Pension Scheme for Ex Women Cricketers:
In a significant step towards supporting former athletes, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has announced a monthly financial assistance scheme for ex-women cricketers who are not covered under the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) pension programme. The decision was approved during the association’s managing committee meeting held on March 31 and comes into effect from April 1.
Table of Contents
Financial Support for Former Women Cricketers
Under the newly introduced scheme, former international women cricketers from Madhya Pradesh will receive a monthly assistance of ₹12,500. Domestic players will be eligible for financial aid ranging between ₹6,000 and ₹10,000, depending on the number of matches they have played.
The initiative aims to provide much-needed financial security to former players who represented the state and country during a time when women’s cricket lacked adequate financial backing.
Additional Benefits for Senior Players
The MPCA has also included provisions for senior beneficiaries. Former players aged above 75 years will receive an additional ₹7,500 per month. Eligible cricketers will need to apply to avail the benefits under the scheme.
Recognition of Past Contributions
MPCA Joint Secretary Arundhati Kirkire stated that the initiative had been in the works since the new committee took charge last year. She expressed satisfaction at the scheme becoming a reality, highlighting that it fulfills a long-standing demand to support former women cricketers.
She also noted that many players had competed purely out of passion in earlier years when financial incentives were minimal or non-existent.
Similar Initiatives Across States
The move aligns Madhya Pradesh with other cricket associations such as Karnataka, Bengal, Gujarat, Baroda, and Vidarbha, which have already implemented pension schemes for former women cricketers.
These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the contributions made by women athletes in Indian cricket and the need to ensure their financial well-being post-retirement.
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Expanded Benefits for Men and Officials
Alongside the women’s scheme, MPCA has also approved revised pensions for retired male cricketers and umpires not covered under the BCCI framework.
Former male players will receive ₹7,000 to ₹12,500 per month based on their match experience. Retired BCCI-level umpires will receive ₹10,000 per month, while state-level umpires will be entitled to ₹6,500. Senior beneficiaries above 75 years will receive an additional ₹7,500.
Additionally, honorariums for match officials, scorers, selectors, and coaches have been increased to better reflect their contributions to the sport.
Strengthening Cricket Infrastructure
In other developments, MPCA has approved the extension of former India cricketer Chandrakant Pandit’s tenure as Director of Cricket for two more years. Plans for constructing new pavilion blocks in Morena and Narmadapuram have also been cleared.
Conclusion
The introduction of this financial assistance scheme marks an important step in recognising and supporting the contributions of former women cricketers. By providing financial stability and dignity, the MPCA is setting a strong example for other associations to follow in promoting inclusivity and welfare in Indian cricket.
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