MPCA to provide monthly financial aid to former women cricketers

The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association has also approved an honorarium hike for umpires and scorers while extending Chandrakant Pandit’s tenure.

In a significant move to bolster the welfare of athletes, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has announced a new monthly financial assistance scheme for former women cricketers. The decision was ratified during a high-profile management committee meeting held on March 31, where the body also approved a horizontal hike in the honorarium for match officials, selectors, and coaches.

The meeting, chaired by MPCA President Mahanaryaman Scindia, focused on rewarding the contributors of the game at the grassroots and domestic levels. A key highlight was the reappointment of veteran coach Chandrakant Pandit as the 'Director of Cricket' for Madhya Pradesh for the next two years, ensuring continuity in the state's cricketing strategy following recent successes.

Support for women veterans

President Mahanaryaman Scindia moved the proposal to support women players who do not receive financial aid from the BCCI. This initiative aims to provide a social security net for those who dedicated their careers to the state and the country before the era of professional contracts.

Under the new scheme, former international players (Test and ODI) will receive a monthly stipend of ₹12,500. Domestic players will be eligible for amounts ranging from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000, determined by the number of matches played. Furthermore, players aged 75 and above will receive an additional ₹7,500 as an age-linked benefit.

Revised honorarium structure

The management committee also addressed the long-standing demand for a revision in the pay scales of match officials. The MPCA has officially increased the honorarium for selectors, umpires, and scorers. Coaches and support staff will also see a bump in their daily allowances and incentive structures.

This revision is part of a broader effort to professionalize the domestic circuit in Madhya Pradesh. Officials stated that existing financial aid for retired male players and umpires, which the association was already providing, has also been scaled up to keep pace with rising costs.

Mandatory certification exams

To maintain high standards of officiating, the MPCA has introduced a merit-based system for match officials. The association will conduct mandatory examinations for scorers and umpires before the commencement of the next domestic season.

These exams will serve as a filter for inducting new talent into the MPCA panel. The body intends to ensure that only qualified individuals handle state-level matches, thereby improving the overall quality of game management across all age groups.

Infrastructure and academies

The MPCA is also pivoting toward rapid infrastructure development in regional pockets. The committee approved the construction of pavilion blocks at the association’s grounds in Morena (Chambal) and Narmadapuram. These facilities are expected to be operational by the 2026-27 financial year.

Beyond physical buildings, the association is drafting a blueprint to establish cricket academies at every ground owned by the MPCA. This decentralized approach is expected to tap into rural talent more effectively than the current centralized model.

Digital transformation drive

In a bid to modernize operations, the committee discussed the integration of advanced technology in coordination with divisional units. The MPCA plans to implement a mandatory online scoring system for all divisional-level matches starting next season.

This move toward transparency will allow for real-time tracking of player performance data. "The goal is to bring precision to our selection process and ensure that every performance in the hinterland is recorded digitally," an MPCA official noted during the proceedings.

Future roadmap ahead

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks for the successful hosting of the Women’s World Cup fixtures and the international match against New Zealand. The management expressed confidence that these welfare measures would encourage more women to take up the sport professionally.

With the latest news today highlighting the shift toward athlete-centric policies, the MPCA's decision is being viewed as a benchmark for other state units. These Government updates and association policies reflect a growing commitment to the English News Portal India readers who follow the evolution of the sport closely. As part of this Public Interest Story, the association has invited eligible players to submit their applications for the stipend program immediately to ensure timely disbursement. This Trending News India update signals a positive turn for domestic cricket veterans.