Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni are two of the most prominent cricket stars the Indian subcontinent has ever seen. Their achievements in the sport have left an unerasable mark on the world of cricket, but the fact is their legacies have been impacting the players of the coming generations.
Still, with both of these legends having put their boots down and following the end of their international careers, they still are recipients of a salary from BCCI. Why is this so?
The Retirement of Cricket Legends
Sachin Tendulkar, or the “Master Blaster,” played his final game for India on November 14, 2013, against the West Indies. His retirement was indeed a big end of an era for Indian cricket.
Tendulkar is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, with 100 international centuries to his credit, a record that remains unbroken to the present time. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli continues to aspire for it, having made an impressive 82 centuries so far.
Conversely, MS Dhoni, the Indian captain who won three ICC titles (2007 ICC T20 World Cup, 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy), retired from international cricket in August 2020. The calmness of Dhoni, especially when in high-pressure situations, attracted great admiration from teammates and fans.
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Even though he retired from international cricket, he is still playing for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and will do so once again in IPL 2025.
Even after retiring, both of these cricket greats are still being financially aided by the BCCI, so the question is: why?
BCCI’s Pension Scheme for Retired Cricketers
The BCCI pension scheme provides financial support to ex-cricketers who have played cricket for India at the international level. The pension scheme was reintroduced during the term of one of the previous BCCI presidents, Sourav Ganguly when there were several changes in the format. The reforms in 2022 saw an increase in the amount given to former cricketers by the board.
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BCCI pension plans aim to ensure that cricketers who have contributed excellently to Indian cricket are looked after even after their professional careers end. Such a pension scheme has been devised looking at the needs of male and female cricketers who have represented India on the international level.
How Much Do Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni Get?
Both Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni are still enjoying the BCCI pension scheme, which makes sure that their legendary status in Indian cricket is never forgotten even after they have retired from international cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Pension:
Tendulkar has played 200 Test matches, 463 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and one T20 International for India. He receives a pension of Rs 70,000 a month from the BCCI’s pension scheme. Gautam Gambhir stated that there could not be a better recipient of this pension. “This pension acknowledges his great achievements and contributions to Indian cricket,” Gambhir said.
MS Dhoni’s Pension:
Also like Hogg, MS Dhoni, who has played for India in 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20s, gets Rs 70,000 a month under the BCCI pension plan. Dhoni’s services to Indian cricket, particularly as a captain, have been colossal, and his pension indicates the BCCI’s gratitude to him for leading the nation to international honor.
A Fitting Tribute to Cricket Legends
The BCCI pension scheme is a befitting tribute to the cricketing greats who have influenced Indian cricket. By offering monetary assistance to players such as Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, the BCCI recognizes their huge contributions to the game.
Although both players have retired from international cricket, their legacy still lives on, not just in the records they created but also in the respect and admiration they still command from the cricket fraternity and the board.
While they keep on getting their pensions every month, Tendulkar and Dhoni are a perfect example of how cricketing greats are not left behind after retirement but their efforts are rewarded and honored for years to come.
