In a commendable move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced a hike in monthly pensions for former cricketers (men and women) as well as former umpires. Those players and umpires who were getting Rs 15,000 per month will now get Rs 30,000.

Likewise Rs 22,500 to Rs 45,000, Rs 30,000 to Rs 52,500, Rs 37,500 to Rs 60,000 and Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000. "It is extremely important that the financial well-being of our former cricketers is taken care of. The players remain the lifeline and as a Board, it is our duty to be by their side once their playing days are over. The umpires have been unsung heroes and the BCCI truly values their contribution,” said BCCI president Sourav Ganguly.