Mahendra Singh Dhoni, also known as Captain Cool, is one of India’s most successful cricket captains. Under his leadership, India won the T20 World Cup in 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011, and the Champions Trophy in 2013. Even after retiring from international cricket, Dhoni receives a monthly pension from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
About BCCI Pension Scheme
The BCCI has introduced a pension scheme for former cricketers to honor their contributions and provide financial support. In 2022, under the leadership of then-president Sourav Ganguly, the scheme was improved, increasing the pension amounts. This scheme applies to both male and female cricketers, with the pension amount based on their playing careers. In 2022, they gave it a much-needed boost, doubling the payouts for many players. The BCCI’s decision to revise pensions was a game-changer. Former first-class players saw their pensions double from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000. Test players now earn between ₹60,000 and ₹70,000, depending on their category.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Pension Amount
According to a report by Cricfit, Mahendra Singh Dhoni played 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20 Internationals for India. Based on this, he receives a monthly pension of ₹70,000 from the BCCI. This amount falls in the highest category for former Test players, whose pensions were increased from ₹50,000 to ₹70,000.
Pension of Other Prominent Players
Sachin Tendulkar: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also receives ₹70,000 per month.
Yuvraj Singh: The 2011 World Cup hero, Yuvraj Singh, gets ₹60,000 per month.
Vinod Kambli: Former cricketer Vinod Kambli receives ₹30,000 per month.
I’m pleased to announce an increase in the monthly pension of former cricketers (men & women) and match officials. Around 900 personnel will avail of this benefit and close to 75% of personnel will be beneficiaries of a 100% raise: BCCI Secretary Jay Shah
(File photo) pic.twitter.com/1GT1RtNYrA
— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2022
Objective of the BCCI Pension Scheme
The BCCI pension scheme provides financial stability to former cricketers after their careers. It not only honors their contributions but also helps secure their future.
Other BCCI Players’ Pensions
India’s legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is at the top of the BCCI pension bracket. With 106 Test matches to his name, Ashwin, who recently retired, will receive ₹70,000 per month. His match-winning performances and consistent bowling have placed him in the highest pension category. Even after his retirement, his contributions to Indian cricket are well-recognized.
The man who led India to its first World Cup victory in 1983, Kapil Dev, has always supported financial aid for retired players. After the 2022 pension revision, he now receives ₹70,000 per month. Kapil has praised the BCCI for taking care of former players who once carried the nation’s cricketing hopes.
Sourav Ganguly, known for his bold leadership and elegant batting, is also in the highest pension bracket. With 113 Tests to his name, “Dada” receives ₹70,000 per month. While he remains active in cricket administration, his pension reflects his lasting impact on Indian cricket.