'Money gives security, recognition makes you proud' - Mohammad Kaif, ICA lauds BCCI decision to double pension of former cricketers

The Indian Cricketers Association (ICA) on June 14 (Tuesday) thanked and paid their “immense gratitude” to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCC)) for increasing the pension of former Test and First-Class players. The pension of the retired local umpires has also been increased.

As per the new rules, the pensions of former First-Class and Test cricketers have been doubled. Cricketers getting up to INR 15,000 will now receive a monthly payment of INR 30,000. Similarly, those under INR 37,500 bracket will receive INR 60,000. Those cricketers who received INR 50,000 from now on will get INR 70,000.

The Indian women players, who received INR 30,000, will now get INR 52,500. About 900 former cricketers are expected to be benefitted from the decision and close to 75% of personnel will get a 100% rise in their pensions

“This announcement by the BCCI has been very well received by our members, many of whom have benefitted with this move in these days of rising prices and falling interest income, all of which has become a worldwide phenomenon,” ICA stated in a media release.

“I am more than grateful that the BCCI has accepted and put into action this long-standing request from us. I would like to especially thank Mr. Jay Shah, the BCCI Honorary Secretary for his efforts,” ICA president Ashok Malhotra was quoted by the New Indian Express.

Former Indian player Mohammad Kaif also welcomed the decision

Applauding the decision, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif shared a post on Twitter and expressed his gratitude as his father is one of the beneficiaries of the pension scheme.

Thanks BCCI, this means a lot to retired players. My father, Mohammad Tarif, is always very happy when he gets his pension. Money gives security, recognition makes you proud.@BCCI @SGanguly99 @JayShah https://t.co/BraaYW2G8q

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 13, 2022

“Thanks, BCCI, this means a lot to retired players. My father, Mohammad Tarif, is always very happy when he gets his pension. Money gives security, recognition makes you proud,” he posted.

“My father played 60 first-class games. Scored close to 3000 runs, and hit 5 hundred. His generation helped the game grow when there was no money. By remembering their contribution, BCCI has shown a big heart,” he further added.