PCB increase pension of players by PKR100,000 across three categories

Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the latest changes in the PCB Players’ Welfare Policy. PCB chairman Ramiz Raza has revealed that the retired players will now receive an increase of PKR100,000 across all three pension categories under the PCB Players’ Welfare Policy.

The reforms come days after the former players had appealed to the board to review their previous pension policy. The former players had urged the board to increase their pension amount, taking into consideration the recent inflation and devaluation of the Pakistani currency.

The latest reforms mean that the players who represented Pakistan in 10 or fewer Tests will now receive an increased sum of PKR142,000. Players with 11-20 Test caps will get PKR148,000, and players with more than 21 or more appearances in red-ball cricket will receive PKR154,000.

One of the significant changes in the policy is the transfer of pension to the widow of the deceased players. Earlier the legal heir was provided with a lump sum amount equalling the player’s 12-month pension amount.  

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja is delighted to deliver on people’s expectations

“It gives me immense pleasure and happiness to announce the increase in pension amounts and other amendments to the PCB Players’ Welfare Policy. With a former cricketer at the helm of Pakistan cricket affairs, the expectation was that I will always protect and look after the interests and welfare of all present and past cricketers. I am delighted that I have been able to fulfill another of my commitments and have amended the policy in such a way that there will now be an annual increase in the pension amounts,” said Raja as quoted by PCB’s official website.

“While improving the pension amounts, we have also ensured security for a cricketer’s widow. As a former cricketer, I know and understand the sacrifices of the families, particularly the spouses that allow cricketers to fulfill their ambitions and dreams of representing their country at the highest level. I am confident this incremental increase in the pension policy will give a lot of peace and satisfaction to the cricketers as well as their families,” he added.

PCB started its pension program for the Test cricketers back in 2004. Initially, it was only for the benefit of players who had represented Pakistan till 1978. But in 2010, it included all the players who reached the age of 60.