MPCA Steps In With Financial Cushion (Source: AFP Photos)
Financial security has long remained a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of a cricketer’s journey, particularly in the domestic women’s game in India where consistent support structures are still evolving. Against this backdrop, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has taken a notable step in an attempt to address this imbalance.
The state body has confirmed that they will be introducing a measure aimed at easing the financial burden on a specific section of its women cricketers, especially those who are currently not eligible for support from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
MPCA bridges gap with financial support for women cricketers
Earlier this week, the MPCA confirmed that the state cricket association will be providing financial assistance to its women cricketers who are not eligible for support from the BCCI. The association confirmed the same at the managing committee meeting on Monday, March 30.
As per the announcement, the MPCA will hand out a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,500 to international cricketers from Madhya Pradesh. The association will also give a monthly support of Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 10,000 to Madhya Pradesh’s domestic players, depending on various categories.
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An additional sum of Rs. 7,500 per month will be given to beneficiaries who are above the age of 75. The payments will be done on the basis of the application, as the association does have the entire list of players yet owing to limited documentation in earlier years.
The scheme covers women’s cricketers who have represented the Women's Cricket Association of India and the BCCI. The financial system has already been put in place from April 1 earlier this month.
As of now, the BCCI assists former international women cricketers with a monthly pension of Rs. 52,500. Meanwhile, former first-class cricketers who retired before 2003 receive Rs. 45,000 per month, and ex-India Women Test players who played over 25 Tests and retired before December 1993 get Rs. 70,000.
MPCA approve pension scheme for men cricketers
The MPCA also agreed to increase the pension of men’s cricketers of the state, as well as that of the umpires. Former men cricketers who do not fall under the BCCI pension scheme are now eligible to receive Rs. 7,000 per month who have played up to four matches.
The monthly stipend increases to Rs. 10,000 for cricketers who played five to 14 matches; and to Rs. 12,500 for players who played 15 to 24 matches.
Ranji Trophy winning coach takes charge
Former Indian cricketer Chandrakant Pandit is set to continue as the Director of Cricket for a two-year term. He has already been involved with the MPCA since 2020.
Under his guidance as head coach, the Madhya Pradesh cricket team lifted its first-ever Ranji Trophy title by winning the 2022 edition of the tournament.
Madhya Pradesh follows Karnataka, Bengal and Gujarat examples
Interestingly, the MPCA is not the first Indian state cricket association to introduce financial security for its domestic players. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also offers a pension of Rs. 15,000 to Karnataka’s women cricketers on a monthly basis.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), and the state boards of Gujarat, Baroda and Vidarbha have also arranged such schemes in place for women cricketers.
What does this mean for Madhya Pradesh cricket?
Madhya Pradesh’s cricketing infrastructure has already paved way for several rising Indian stars like Anushka Sharma, Kranti Gaud and Vaishnavi Sharma. Young Vaishnavi even lifted the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 U19 World Cup last year, while Kranti was part of the Indian team that won the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup back in November 2025.
Fast bowler Pooja Vastrakar is another exciting prospect from the state, as the 26-year-old has already played over 100 internationals for India across all formats.
Taken together, MPCA’s financial measures signal a broader intent to strengthen its cricketing ecosystem while ensuring that players across levels are not left without financial backing.
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