The Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) today started disbursement of pension to 150 former Ranji Trophy players from the state, as per its resolution passed early this year.
Published: Jul 12, 2011, 08:59 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 12, 2011, 08:59 PM (IST)
Ex-Ranji players who have played less than 24 matches up to 2003-04 and retired are entitled for pension © Getty Images
Ahmedabad: Jul 12, 2011
The Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) today started disbursement of pension to 150 former Ranji Trophy players from the state, as per its resolution passed early this year.
The decision regarding the pension scheme for ex-Ranji players was taken during the Executive Committee and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association on March 19.
A function was organised today at the GCA office here to begin disbursement of pension to ex-cricketers from across the state. About 25 ex-cricketers attended the event.
While BCCI gives pension to those players who have played 25 or more Ranji Trophy matches, GCA’s scheme covers those who have played less than 25 times and are not eligible for the benefits from the Indian Cricket Board, GCA secretary Rajesh Patel said.
“We had decided during our AGM to pay pension to all those cricketers who have represented Gujarat in Ranji Trophy, irrespective of number of matches they played,” Patel said.
“This is a token of our appreciation for the cricketers of Gujarat,” he added.
As per the GCA resolution, cricketers who have played up to eight Ranji Trophy matches would get a monthly pension of Rs 3,500, while those who have played up to 16 matches would be given Rs 5,500 monthly pension. Rs 7,500 monthly pension would be paid to players who have played up to 24 first class matches.
Patel said the association had received 180 applications for the pension scheme, out of which 150 were found eligible.
This pension, which would be paid with effect from November 1, 2010, will be credited to bank accounts of the eligible ex-cricketers along with arrears, he added.
Players who would be given pension include Babubhai Shah (80), who played two Ranji matches during 1953-57, and Ambubhai Patel (79), who played 23 matches between 1956 to 1963.
All ex-Ranji players who have played less than 24 matches up to 2003-04 and have retired from cricket were entitled for pension.
© PTI
