Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement from international cricket has once again brought the BCCI’s pension scheme for former cricketers into focus with the veteran Mumbai batter now becoming one of the latest beneficiaries of the board’s long-running welfare initiative.

Rahane, who announced his retirement after a distinguished 15-year international career, will be entitled to a monthly pension of ₹70,000 under the BCCI’s revised pension policy. Having played more than 80 Test matches for India, he comfortably qualifies for the highest pension bracket available to former Test cricketers. The amount was ₹50,000 until the BCCI revised the scheme in 2022, increasing financial support for retired players in recognition of their contribution to Indian cricket.

Over the years, the BCCI’s pension scheme has emerged as one of the most significant welfare measures introduced by any cricket board. Hundreds of former India and first-class cricketers, along with former umpires, have benefited from the initiative, which has provided financial security to several players from earlier generations who represented the country before the era of lucrative central contracts and the IPL.

Rahane’s retirement also signifies the closing chapter of one of India’s most successful Test batting generations. While Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma dominated headlines with their remarkable records and leadership, Rahane quietly carved his own niche as one of India’s most dependable overseas performers. His composed batting, ability to absorb pressure and willingness to play the team’s role earned him immense respect within the dressing room.

One of the defining moments of Rahane’s career came during India’s historic 2020-21 Test series triumph in Australia. After Virat Kohli returned home following the opening Test, Rahane took over the captaincy and led a depleted Indian side to a memorable 2-1 series victory, highlighted by his superb century at Melbourne. The triumph remains one of the greatest overseas achievements in Indian cricket history and cemented Rahane’s reputation as a calm and astute leader.

Cheteshwar Pujara, another pillar of India’s formidable Test batting unit, has also stepped away from international cricket, bringing to a close an era that saw India become one of the strongest Test teams in the world. Together, Kohli, Rohit, Pujara and Rahane formed the backbone of India’s batting for more than a decade, each contributing in different ways to the team’s sustained success.

For Rahane, retirement not only marks the end of an accomplished international journey but also the beginning of a new chapter, with the BCCI’s pension scheme standing as a reminder that the contributions of former cricketers continue to be recognised long after they leave the international stage.

BY JOE WILLIAMS