Spouses of deceased Indian Cricketers' Association members to get Rs 1 lakh from BCCI

The Indian Cricketers' Association (ICA) has announced a new welfare initiative aimed at supporting the families of its deceased members. At its second board meeting of the 2025-26 financial year, held in Bengaluru on August 25, the ICA confirmed that the spouses of late members will now be entitled to a one-time benefit of Rs one lakh.

The move, subject to approval, is expected to support around 50 beneficiaries in its first phase. The ICA underlined that the scheme is distinct from the existing one-time benefit available to members themselves and will not extend to spouses of former international Test cricketers, who are already covered under other arrangements.

"The initiative reflects ICA's continuing commitment to honour the contributions of cricketers and to extend meaningful support to their families in times of need," the association said in a statement. The board also noted that the scheme would be periodically reviewed, with potential revisions depending on the introduction of any pension plan for widows and widowers by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

HEALTH INSURANCE AND EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Founded in July 2019 and recognised by the BCCI, the ICA represents over 1,750 former Indian cricketers. Its mandate is to safeguard the interests and welfare of its members, and in recent years it has launched several schemes to provide financial and medical support.

Among the key initiatives already in place is the Senior Member Recognition Programme, through which around 170 veteran players over the age of 60 - who do not receive pensions or gratuity from either the BCCI or their state associations - were awarded a one-time sum of Rs 1,00,000 in acknowledgement of their service to the game.

The ICA has also rolled out a group health insurance scheme, offering cover of up to Rs 2.5 lakh for 1,079 eligible members, and an annual health check-up programme that provides 43 diagnostic tests for members and their spouses. More than 2,200 individuals across India have benefitted from this scheme, with tests conducted at home for ease and accessibility.

In addition, the association has provided emergency financial assistance, with one-time grants of up to Rs 1,00,000 made available to members facing urgent medical costs. To date, 77 members have received support through this fund.

With the new scheme for spouses of deceased members, the ICA said it was reaffirming its mission to stand by players and their families even beyond their playing careers, ensuring that the community of cricketers continues to feel supported in times of difficulty.