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Journalism of Courage
It was apt that the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Platinium Pension Scheme cheques were distributed at the Small Savings Hall of the Garware Clubhouse at the Wankhede Stadium this evening. Former captains, players of repute and umpires who had the distinction of featuring in Test matches formed quite a gathering as they were awarded pension cheques worth Rs 5000 each.
While gratitude was an expression that flowed freely, some talked about disparity, some dwelt on charity and some were simply at a loss for words…
MADHAV MANTRI
• The affluent cricketers should distribute the money to needy cricketers
NARI CONTRACTOR
• The scheme should improve with the passage of time. A certain percentage (of the BCCI profits) should also be earmarked for the ex-cricketers
MOHINDER AMARNATH
• The BCCI can do a lot for the players who represented the country in the 1930s and 40s. Maybe a couple of logos on the players or at the ground could do the trick. It is not fair that everybody gets the same amount. There should be a gradation system. I feel that players prior to the 1970s should get more
RAVI SHASTRI
• It is just a start, hope it carries on. Players who retired before 1975 should get another benefit. The Board should ensure that they do not have to go with a begging bowl
ASHOK MANKAD
• It is a gesture of appreciation so paramount in maintaining the relationship between the Board and the players
POLLY UMRIGAR
• I have never seen a smile on so many cricketers and umpires as I have seen today
MUSHTAQ ALI
• I am really thankful to Jagmohan Dalmiya for giving this amount every month to us former cricketers and umpires. The amount is quite good and it will help lots of former cricketers
VIJAY HAZARE
• I am happy that the Board has offered this help to the needy and old cricketers
BHAGWAT CHANDRASHEKHAR
• It will go along way in helping the past cricketers. When we used to play, we didn’t make much money because we got a very meagre allowance those days
KAPIL DEV
• I request the cricketers who don’t need this pension to give it to those who are in need. The board has done well to bring out this pension scheme but there are some cricketers who don’t need this and some who absolutely need it. I give my pension to Hamara Ghar, a home run by a 90-year-old man. And five kids will get a thousand rupees each
