Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement from international cricket has renewed attention on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s pension scheme for former players and officials. Rahane, who represented India in 85 Tests, 90 One-Day Internationals and 20 Twenty20 Internationals, qualifies for the highest pension category and is expected to receive ₹70,000 per month.

The BCCI introduced its pension programme in April 2004, initially providing eligible former cricketers with ₹5,000 per month. The welfare initiative was designed to offer financial assistance to players from earlier generations, many of whom ended their careers before central contracts, major broadcasting revenues and lucrative franchise competitions transformed the financial landscape of Indian cricket.

Eligibility and payment depend on factors including the level of cricket played, number of matches completed and period of retirement. The programme covers eligible former men’s and women’s cricketers, domestic first-class players and retired umpires. Certain eligibility conditions also apply to players from earlier domestic seasons, with match thresholds determining whether they qualify for assistance.

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The BCCI substantially increased the monthly payments with effect from June 1, 2022. The five existing pension slabs of ₹15,000, ₹22,500, ₹30,000, ₹37,500 and ₹50,000 were raised to ₹30,000, ₹45,000, ₹52,500, ₹60,000 and ₹70,000, respectively. The revision benefited around 900 former players and officials, with more than 75% of beneficiaries receiving a 100% increase, according to the BCCI.

Rahane qualifies for the highest bracket because of his extensive Test career. However, pension payments may be temporarily suspended if a beneficiary accepts a full-time position with the BCCI, such as a role as coach, selector or another board official. The payment can reportedly resume after the person leaves that position, subject to the applicable rules and administrative approval.

The scheme reflects the BCCI’s broader effort to recognise players and officials who contributed to Indian cricket across generations. While Rahane’s eligibility has drawn fresh public interest because of his prominent international career, the programme’s wider significance lies in providing continuing support to hundreds of former cricketers and umpires after their active involvement in the sport has ended.

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