MS Dhoni, fondly known as “Mahi”, has always been one of the most loved figures in Indian cricket. From his calm leadership style to his unforgettable finishing abilities, Dhoni’s presence on the field kept the crowd noise levels high for almost two decades. Although he retired from international cricket in 2020, fans remain curious about his life after retirement, including the pension he receives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Dhoni’s retirement from international cricket
MS Dhoni officially announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020. This decision marked the end of an era in Indian cricket. However, his retirement from international matches did not mean that Dhoni walked away from the game completely. He continued to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he was closely associated with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
In IPL 2025, Dhoni played as an uncapped player and was signed by CSK on an annual contract worth ₹4 crore. Despite his age and limited appearances, his leadership and experience remained valuable to the team.
What is BCCI’s pension scheme?
BCCI has a pension scheme to support former Indian cricketers after retirement. The pension amount depends on the level of cricket played and the number of matches the player represents India.
In 2022, the BCCI revised its pension policy, increasing the monthly pension amount for former players. As per the updated structure:
- Former first-class male cricketers get Rs 30,000 per month
- Former test cricketers get Rs 60,000 per month
- Players who have played 25 or more test matches get Rs 70,000 per month
For women cricketers, international players get Rs 52,500 per month, while women first-class cricketers who retired before 2003 get Rs 45,000 per month.
How much pension does MS Dhoni get?
MS Dhoni has played 90 Test matches, 350 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 98 T20 Internationals for India. Because he has played more than 25 Test matches, he falls under the highest pension bracket.
As per BCCI rules, Dhoni gets a monthly pension of Rs 70,000.
Dhoni’s career and net worth
Although the pension amount may surprise some fans, it is a small part of Dhoni’s total earnings. His net worth is estimated to be around Rs 1,000 crore. During his international career, Dhoni scored 17,266 runs, which included 16 centuries and 108 half-centuries.
He made his international debut in 2004 and became the captain of India in 2007. Under his leadership, India won the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, cementing his legacy as one of India’s greatest captains.
Even after retirement, MS Dhoni remains a powerful name in Indian cricket, praised for his achievements, humility and lasting impact on the game.
