MPCA announces financial aid for women cricketers

The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) will provide monthly financial assistance to women cricketers from the state who are not eligible for support from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The decision was taken at the MPCA managing committee meeting.

International cricketers will receive ₹12,500 per month. For others, monthly support will range from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 based on their playing history under the Women's Cricket Association of India (WCAI) and/or BCCI. An additional ₹7,500 per month is earmarked for beneficiaries above 75 years. Payments will be application-based as a complete historical list is not available.

The scheme is effective from April 1.

This follows a similar move by the Karnataka State Cricket Association, which offers a ₹15,000 monthly pension to its former women cricketers above 55. Similar schemes exist in Bengal, Gujarat, Baroda, and Vidarbha. The BCCI currently provides a pension of ₹52,500 per month to former international women players.

Other Financial Decisions Approved

Pension Increases:

• Men Cricketers (not under BCCI scheme): ₹7,000 (up to 4 matches), ₹10,000 (5-14 matches), ₹12,500 (15-24 matches).
• Umpires: Retired BCCI-level umpires will get ₹10,000/month; state-level umpires will get ₹6,500/month. Those above 75 receive an additional ₹7,500.

Increased Honorariums:

• Umpires (inter-divisional games): ₹5,000 per day.
• Scorers: ₹2,500 per day.
• Selectors: ₹9,000.
• Incentives for coaches were also altered.

Chandrakant Pandit Reappointed

Chandrakant Pandit has been reappointed as the MPCA's Director of Cricket for a two-year term. Pandit, involved with MPCA since 2020, guided the senior men's team to its maiden Ranji Trophy title as head coach.

The managing committee also cleared the construction of Pavilion blocks at the Morena and Narmadapuram grounds.