Former cricketer raises concerns with PCB's stance on retired cricketers

Former right-arm medium pace bowler - Ehteshamuddin, who played five tests for Pakistan from 1979 to 1982, has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman Ramiz Raja for not increasing his pension in accordance with inflation.

The former cricketer has been out of action and housebound, which has had difficulty performing daily tasks due to an epileptic seizure that left him disabled. 

“It has been a long while, but the last time they [Pakistan Cricket Board] increased my pension by 20%, but it is not enough to combat the rise in inflation which is going up day by day,” said Ehteshamuddin to a local newspaper, Express. 

The former cricketer also complained that the cricket board took no initiative to address the concerns voiced by retired cricketers. 

Although the Pakistan Cricket Board is paying for Ehteshamuddin’s medical bills, he states that he does not earn enough to live a comfortable life and can barely pay his primary bills. 

The retired cricketer has lived alone ever since his wife passed away, and his daughter, Aisha Khan - a national swimmer - has moved to England with her husband. 

“Although I am grateful for the Pakistan Cricket Board for paying my medical bills, if the pension would increase, then things would be much better for me.” 

“We tried contacting Ramiz Raja a lot, but there was no development on that front. Former players like Zakir Khan and others are also unable to reach him,” said the 71-year old. 

The PCB has also been criticised and taken to court by the former cricketer Sarfaraz Khan after the board suspended his monthly pension for violating the players’ welfare policy.

These particular instances highlight the critical topic of how sportspersons are left destitute post-retirement.