In a landmark move for women’s cricket welfare, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) have launched monthly pension schemes to honour former women cricketers not covered by BCCI support. These initiatives recognise the sacrifices of pioneers who shaped the sport amid limited resources, ensuring their legacies endure with financial dignity.
The MPCA announced the scheme during a managing committee meeting, where president Mahanarayan Scindia proposed it, securing unanimous approval. Honorary secretary Sudhir Asnani detailed the structure: “Former women players who have played in international Tests and One Day Internationals will be provided Rs 12,500 per month, those who have played domestic cricket will be given Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000, depending on the number of matches played.” Players over 75 receive an extra Rs 7,500 monthly, targeting those who paved the way in an era when women’s cricket fought for visibility.
This isn’t just aid, it’s a heartfelt acknowledgement of resilience. These veterans often juggled careers without the BCCI safety net, their domestic heroics fueling India’s rise in global women’s cricket. Asnani emphasised eligibility: only those without BCCI pensions qualify, ensuring targeted support.
MPCA’s decisions extended further, renewing Chandrakant Pandit’s tenure as Director (Cricket) for two more years, the coach who steered Madhya Pradesh to their maiden Ranji Trophy triumph. Honorariums for selectors, umpires, coaches, and scorers have also risen, signalling a broader commitment to grassroots excellence.
Echoing this spirit, KSCA introduced pensions for women who represented Karnataka in the Senior Women’s National Championship, available to those aged 55 and above without BCCI benefits. Secretary Santosh Menon captured the essence: “This initiative is aimed at recognising and honouring valuable contributions made by former women cricketers to the state.” Eligible players must submit participation documents and match records, blending transparency with tribute.
The current batch of women cricketers, led by the inspirational skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, under the guidance of head coach Amol Muzumdar, brought the reward for the ages, hard work, blood and sweat poured in by the pioneers of the likes of Shantha Rangaswamy, Diana Edulji, Anjum Chopra, Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, and many more for the betterment of Indian women’s cricket, over the years.
As state associations step up where national support lags, these schemes could inspire a ripple effect across India. They affirm that women’s cricket’s foundational warriors deserve more than memories; they merit sustained respect.
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