PCB expands pension scheme

The PCB has expanded its existing pension scheme to cover all Pakistan Test cricketers who reach the age of 60. In 2006, the board decided to provide pensions to all Test cricketers who had retired before 1978. Since then, the PCB had also approved pensions for some Test players who quit after 1978, on a case-by-case basis.

Players currently receive Rs 20,000 (US$ 233) a month, an amount the board has decided to increase. "The Governing Board held a detailed review of PCB's welfare policy for former Pakistan players," according to a PCB media release. "It was decided that the stipend paid out by the PCB to Pakistan's ex-Test players upon reaching the age of 60 years will be increased."

PCB chairman Ijaz Butt, a former Test cricketer himself, welcomed the decision. "We are extremely grateful to the Governing Board for approving this measure for the benefit of our former Test cricketers," he said. "Our players are our national assets and this decision by the Governing Board will send a positive message to all our former players that the PCB values the services that they have given to Pakistan."