“₹12,500 a month.” That’s the headline number — but it’s also raising serious questions about how India values its former women cricketers.
The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has rolled out a new financial aid scheme for women cricketers — and while it’s being praised as overdue support, the numbers are already triggering comparisons, debates, and uncomfortable truths.
Table of Contents
Toggle⚡ FAST FACTS
- MPCA to give ₹12,500/month to former international women cricketers
- Domestic players to receive ₹6,000–₹10,000 based on matches
- Extra ₹7,500/month for beneficiaries aged 75+
- Scheme applies to players outside Board of Control for Cricket in India pension system
- Effective from April 1
🧾 QUICK GIST (30-Second Read)
- MPCA launches monthly financial aid for women cricketers
- Covers players from WCAI and BCCI eras
- Payments will be application-based due to missing records
- Comes amid rising state-level pension schemes across India
- Sparks debate over disparity vs BCCI pension structure
🔍 What Just Happened — And Why It’s Turning Heads
The MPCA has approved a monthly financial assistance scheme targeting women cricketers who don’t qualify for existing BCCI pensions.
This includes players from both:
- Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI) era
- Post-BCCI integration era
But here’s the twist:
The scheme is application-based, because historical records are incomplete.
👉 That raises an immediate question: How many deserving players might still be left out?
💰 Payment Breakdown — Who Gets What?
| Category | Matches | Monthly Aid |
|---|---|---|
| International (Tests & ODIs) | — | ₹12,500 |
| WCAI Players | 8–15 | ₹6,000 |
| WCAI Players | 16–20 | ₹7,500 |
| WCAI Players | 21+ | ₹10,000 |
| BCCI Players | 20–25 | ₹6,000 |
| BCCI Players | 26–35 | ₹7,500 |
| BCCI Players | 35+ | ₹10,000 |
📌 Bonus:
Players above 75 years get an extra ₹7,500/month
⚠️ Why This Move Is Raising Eyebrows
On paper, this looks progressive.
But comparisons are unavoidable.
👉 The BCCI currently pays:
- ₹52,500/month to former international women cricketers
- Up to ₹70,000 for senior retired Test players
So naturally, critics are asking:
Is ₹12,500 enough — or just symbolic?
📊 Industry Impact: A Growing Trend… or Patchwork Fix?
MPCA isn’t alone.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association recently announced:
- ₹15,000/month pension
- For players above 55 years
Other states like Bengal, Gujarat, Baroda, and Vidarbha already have similar schemes.
📉 Key Insight Box
- State boards are stepping in
- National coverage still uneven
- Financial security depends on geography
👉 Translation: Where you played may decide how you retire.
🗣️ What Officials Are Saying
MPCA president Mahanaryaman Scindia defended the move:
“Our former women cricketers contributed without resources or recognition… this is about dignity and respect.”
Strong words.
But do they match the financial reality?
Must Read: Rassie Quits — Why This Shock Exit Matters
🔄 Contrarian View: Is This Too Little, Too Late?
While many welcome the scheme, a counter-argument is gaining traction:
- Why are players still dependent on state-level aid?
- Why is documentation still incomplete decades later?
- Why do benefits vary so widely across states?
👉 The uncomfortable truth:
India’s women cricket pioneers are still catching up on recognition — financially and historically.
🧩 More Than Just Women’s Cricket
The MPCA didn’t stop there.
It also approved:
- Increased pensions for retired male cricketers
- ₹10,000/month for BCCI-level umpires
- ₹6,500/month for state umpires
- Match fees hike for umpires, scorers, selectors
And in a key structural move:
👉 Chandrakant Pandit has been reappointed as Director of Cricket for two more years.
🔮 What Happens Next
Watch for these developments:
- How many players actually apply — and get approved
- Whether other state associations revise their schemes
- Pressure on BCCI to expand or standardize pensions
- Calls for a centralized database of former players
👉 The bigger question remains:
Will this spark a national reform — or remain a state-by-state patchwork?
❓ FAQs
Why did MPCA introduce this scheme?
To support former women cricketers not covered under BCCI’s pension system and address historical gaps in recognition and financial aid.
How much pension will women cricketers get under MPCA scheme?
Between ₹6,000 and ₹12,500 per month, depending on playing history, with an additional ₹7,500 for those above 75 years.
How does this compare to BCCI pensions?
BCCI offers significantly higher pensions, ranging from ₹45,000 to ₹70,000 depending on experience and era.
📌 Editorial Disclaimer
This article is an analytical rewrite based strictly on the original reported information. All facts, figures, and statements are derived from the source material. No events, outcomes, or data have been altered or fabricated.