The BCCI has announced a hike in monthly pensions of former cricketers - both men and women - and also former umpires, with effect from June 1, 2022.

First-class players who earlier got INR 15,000 will get INR 30,000 while former Test players, who get INR 37,500, will now receive INR 60,000 under the new scheme. Those with INR 50,000 pension will get INR 70,000.

Women international players, who got INR 30,000, will receive INR 52,500 from now, while first-class cricketers who retired before 2003 and get INR 22,500 will now get INR 45,000.

"I'm pleased to announce an increase in the monthly pension of former cricketers (men and women) and match officials," BCCI secretary Jay Shah said. "Around 900 personnel will avail of this benefit and close to 75% of personnel will be beneficiaries of a 100 pc raise."

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said: "It is extremely important that the financial well-being of our former cricketers is taken care of. The players remain the lifeline and as a board, it is our duty to be by their side once their playing days are over. The umpires have been unsung heroes and the BCCI truly values their contribution."

"Whatever the BCCI is today, it is because of the contribution of its former cricketers and umpires," BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal said. "We are pleased to announce the increase in the monthly pensions which will be a gesture for the well-being of our former cricketers."