Mumbai, June 13 (Agency) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced a hike in monthly pensions of former cricketers (both men and women) and former umpires. The new pension will come into effect from June 1. BCCI Honorary Secretary Jay Shah said a total of around 900 personnel will get the benefit of the scheme with more than 75 percent of the beneficiaries getting a 100 percent raise. “The welfare of our cricketers, be it former or present, is a top priority, and increasing pension amounts is a step in that direction. The BCCI values the contribution the umpires have made over the years and this is one way to express our gratitude for their diligent services to Indian Cricket. A total of around 900 personnel will get the benefit of the scheme with more than 75 percent of the beneficiaries getting a 100 percent raise,” he said.
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly said the players remain the lifeline and as a Board, it is its duty to be by their side once their playing days are over, and umpires are unsung heroes and the BCCI truly values their contribution. “It is extremely important that the financial well-being of our former cricketers is taken care of. The players remain the lifeline and as a Board, it is our duty to be by their side once their playing days are over. The umpires have been unsung heroes and the BCCI truly values their contribution,” he said. Honorary Treasurer, BCCI, Arun Singh Dhumal, said: “Whatever the BCCI is today, it is because of the contribution of its former cricketers and umpires. We are pleased to announce the increase in the monthly pensions which will be a gesture for the well-being of our former cricketers.”