EXPLAINED: Why Is There Pension Disparity Between R Ashwin, Vinod Kambli & Yuvraj Singh?

After retiring from international cricket, R Ashwin is set to receive ₹60,000 per month as a pension, a benefit reserved for former Test cricketers.

Vinod Kambli, a former first-class cricketer with limited Test appearances, currently receives ₹30,000 per month as a pension, following the BCCI’s 2022 revision.

Ashwin’s pension is double that of Kambli’s due to the categorization differences between Test and first-class cricketers under BCCI’s pension scheme.

Ashwin played 106 Tests, earning him a higher pension bracket, while Kambli’s 17 Test matches limit him to the first-class category benefits.

BCCI increased pensions in 2022:

First-class cricketers: ₹30,000/month

Former Test players: ₹60,000-₹70,000/month

A long and consistent Test career like Ashwin’s ensures higher pension eligibility, while Kambli’s short stint restricts him to a lower tier.

Ashwin’s pension reflects his significant contributions to Indian cricket, including exceptional performances across formats, as compared to Kambli’s brief international tenure.

Kambli’s financial struggles and health challenges post-retirement highlight the impact of a short cricketing career on long-term benefits like pensions.

Yuvraj Singh, another former Test cricketer, also receives ₹60,000 per month, aligning him with Ashwin, showcasing consistency in BCCI’s policies for Test players.

The pension disparity sparked conversations online, with fans debating whether BCCI should consider non-Test contributions or life challenges in their pension policies.