New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has rolled out a significant initiative by offering monthly financial support to former women cricketers from the state who are not included in the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) pension program.

Following the endorsement from its managing committee on March 31, this new scheme will benefit former international players from Madhya Pradesh with a monthly stipend of Rs 12,500. Domestic players, based on their match experience with the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI) or BCCI, will receive amounts between Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000.

“Since our committee took charge in September last year, we have been contemplating the necessity of a women's pension scheme for retired cricketers. We're thrilled this proposal has come to fruition, thanks to the backing of Mahanaaryaman Scindia ji,” expressed Arundhati Kirkire, MPCA Joint Secretary, in an interview with IANS.

Players aged over 75 will receive an extra Rs 7,500, and those interested must apply for this scheme. Commencing from April 1, this initiative complements similar pension schemes already operational for former women cricketers in states like Karnataka, which provides Rs 15,000 for players above 55 years, along with those in Bengal, Gujarat, Baroda, and Vidarbha.

“The minimum financial assistance under this scheme ranges from Rs 7,000 to 10,000. For those who were receiving nothing, this initiative offers crucial financial relief, especially during times when they played purely for their love of the game,” she added.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many thought a program like this would never materialize, but the swift execution of this initiative has brought joy to many. We are delighted about the enthusiasm surrounding this news and feel fulfilled that a long-held dream has been realized,” concluded Arundhati, who has represented India in a Test match and 30 ODIs.

In addition to this, the MPCA has also revised pension amounts for retired male cricketers and umpires not covered by the BCCI scheme. For former players, the new structure is Rs 7,000 for up to four matches, Rs 10,000 for 5-14 matches, and Rs 12,500 for 15-24 matches.

Retired umpires at the BCCI level will now receive Rs 10,000 per month, while state-level umpires will get Rs 6,500. Seniors over 75 years of age will also be granted an added Rs 7,500. Furthermore, honorariums for match officials and selectors have seen an increase.

Umpires officiating in inter-divisional matches will earn Rs 5,000 per match, scorers will receive Rs 2,500 daily, and selectors will earn Rs 9,000. Coaching incentives have also been revised accordingly. The MPCA has extended the term of ex-India wicketkeeper-batter Chandrakant Pandit as ‘Director of Cricket’ for an additional two years and approved the construction of new Pavilion blocks in Morena and Narmadapuram grounds.

MPCA financial support for former women cricketers:

• International Cricketers (Test & ODI only) - Rs 12,500
• Played only under WCAI:
• 8-15 matches - Rs 6,000
• 16-20 matches – Rs 7,500
• 21 or more matches – Rs 10,000
• Played under WCAI + BCCI:
• 15-20 matches – Rs 6,000
• 21-25 matches – Rs 7,500
• 25 or more matches – Rs 10,000
• Played only under BCCI:
• 20-25 matches – Rs 6,000
• 26-35 matches – Rs 7,500
• 35 or more matches – Rs 10,000