IN A WELFARE INITIATIVE aimed at supporting former players, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has announced a structured monthly financial assistance scheme for women cricketers, particularly targeting those not covered under existing Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) pension systems.
The decision was approved at a recent MPCA managing committee meeting, reflecting a growing emphasis on player welfare and gender inclusion in domestic cricket administration. The newly introduced scheme provides monthly stipends based on playing experience and level:
- International Cricketers: ₹12,500 per month for players who represented India in Tests and ODIs
- Domestic Cricketers: ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 per month, depending on the number of matches played
The scheme will come into effect from April 1, 2026, and will be application-based, given the lack of comprehensive historical records of players. The initiative is specifically designed for former women cricketers from Madhya Pradesh and it targets players not currently receiving BCCI financial assistance or pension. It covers both players from the pre-BCCI (WCAI) era and players who later competed under BCCI structures.
MPCA officials emphasised that the goal is to bridge gaps in legacy support systems, particularly for players who represented the state and country before the advent of structured contracts and central pay frameworks.
MPCA President Mahanaryaman Scindia, who proposed the initiative, highlighted the need to support past contributors to the game and ensure they are not left behind in the sport’s professional evolution. The financial aid announcement was part of a broader set of decisions taken by the MPCA:
- Increase in pensions for retired men cricketers not covered by BCCI
- Enhanced monthly payments for umpires (₹6,500–₹10,000)
- Revised honorariums for selectors, scorers, and coaches
- Reappointment of Chandrakant Pandit as Director of Cricket for two years
