Pension scheme to be launched on May 21

The pension scheme announced by the Indian board last month for retired Test players and umpires will be launched across the country simultaneously on May 21.

Announcing this, the BCCI said in a statement: "Functions will be organised across the country to hand over cheques for the first month's pension to retired Test cricketers and umpires on the same day and same time."

The functions will be held at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Jaipur, Indore, Baroda, Chandigarh and Pune. The statement also clarified that in case the player was unable to attend the function at any of the venues, a representative of the board would deliver the cheque to the his residence the same day.

Under this scheme, 174 former players and officials will receive a monthly amount of Rs 5000 (approx UD$ 113). Currently, only those who have played or officiated in Tests are eligible for the benefit.