PCA hikes prize money for district competitions

Chandigarh: The Punjab Cricket Association has decided to hike the prize money for district competitions besides increasing the subsidy for hosting matches by the bodies having their own grounds in the state.

In the executive committee meeting, the PCA also decided increase to the medical allowance for former Punjab players above the age of 65 years. "The meeting was held at the PCA stadium in Mohali yesterday under the chairmanship of its president, I S Bindra," PCA spokesman Sushil Kapoor informed today. Kapoor said PCA Secretary M P Pandove informed the members that in view of the effects of the inflation the rates of subsidy needed to be enhanced. The House approved to increase the subsidy to the associations having own grounds with pavilion from Rs 5 lakh to 7.5 lakh. The ground preparation charges per match day were increased from Rs 800 to Rs 1600. The prize money for `Best District` was increased from 5 lakh to 6 lakh and for second best district from Rs 2.5 to Rs 3 lakh. "As a gesture of goodwill to former Punjab players who were drawing pension from PCA and have crossed the age of 65 years a medical allowance of Rs 1,000 per month, allowance of Rs 2,000 per month for those who have crossed the age of 75 years was approved by the committee," Kapoor said. It was also decided to provide all-weather practice facilities in the districts having their own grounds for which PCA will make full contribution. PTI