An End of an Era
On July 30, 2026, veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, concluding a decorated international career. In an emotional statement, the 38-year-old, who represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is, said
he felt the timing was right to move on. Rahane is celebrated for his crucial overseas performances and his stoic leadership, most notably captaining India to a historic Test series win in Australia in 2020-21. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian cricket, but it also brings to light the robust welfare system the BCCI has in place for its former stars.
The BCCI's Pension Scheme Explained
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has a long-standing pension scheme designed to provide financial stability to cricketers after they hang up their boots. It's a token of gratitude for their service to Indian cricket, ensuring they have a steady income post-retirement. The scheme was significantly revised in 2022, with pension amounts for former players and umpires seeing a substantial increase of up to 100% in some cases. This welfare program covers not just international stars but also domestic cricketers who form the backbone of the sport in the country.
Eligibility and Pension Tiers
Eligibility for the BCCI pension is tiered based on a player's contribution. The highest bracket is reserved for former Test cricketers. Players who have featured in 25 or more Test matches are eligible for the top-tier pension. Below that, there are categories for those who have played fewer Tests, as well as for first-class cricketers who may not have represented India internationally but have had long domestic careers. The amounts vary accordingly. For instance, players who have played more than 25 Tests receive ₹70,000 per month. Other Test cricketers get ₹60,000, while former first-class players receive amounts ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹45,000. The scheme also extends to women cricketers, with international players eligible for ₹52,500 monthly.
How Much Rahane Will Earn
With 85 Test matches to his name, Ajinkya Rahane comfortably qualifies for the highest pension slab. As a result, he is set to receive a monthly pension of ₹70,000 from the BCCI. This places him in the same bracket as other legends of the game like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and MS Dhoni. This pension is a lifetime benefit, though there is one key condition: if a retired player takes up a paid role with the BCCI, such as a coach or a selector, the pension is temporarily suspended for the duration of their tenure. It is important to note that players can only draw a pension from either the BCCI or their state association, not both.
