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The Indian Cricket Association (ICA) has launched a welfare initiative for spouses of deceased cricketers. In the second board meeting for the financial year 2025-26, conducted in Bengaluru, the ICA came up with the launch of the One-Time Benefit scheme, which will hand eligible spouses INR 1 Lakh. This initiative is floated to provide financial assistance and honour the sacrifices and contributions of ex-cricketers and their families. As per ICA, 50 beneficiaries are expected to be covered in the initial phase.
In an official statement issued by the cricketing body, it is said that, “the initiative’s aim is to provide financial assistance and honour the contributions of our members’ families during their times of loss.” However, it was also cleared that the benefit will only be received by spouses of deceased ICA members. It simply means that the wives of former international Test players for India won’t be covered in the latest scheme.
ICA’s formation and other schemes
ICA came into existence in July 2019 after getting recognition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to represent former India players. Since then, it has added more than 1700 members. Its objective is to come up with programmes which safeguard the interest and welfare of its members.
After the launch of the recent scheme, the benefit will go under the review frequently by ICA. In the future, the new plan might also be reformed in case the BCCI introduces a broader pension scheme for widows or widowers of former cricketers in the future. Besides this programme, other schemes are also active from ICA, which includes the Senior Member Recognition Program, where ₹1,00,000 has been awarded to 170 veterans, and a Group Health Insurance Scheme which includes more than 1,000 former players.
