BCCI’s central contract list announced, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli demoted

BCCI’s central contract list announced, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli demoted

BCCI Announces 2025-26 Central Contracts for Indian Cricketers

After much anticipation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially revealed the list of centrally contracted players for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The new contracts have brought about some significant changes, including the elimination of the A+ grade payment system.

New Payment System

According to reports, Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will now be receiving a lower salary as they have been placed in Grade B of the payment system. This marks a departure from their previous A+ grade status. The board has also made adjustments to the central contracts for both the men’s and women’s national cricket teams.

Men’s Central Contracts

Only three cricketers from the Men’s national cricket team have been placed in Grade A. This elite group includes Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, and experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. A total of 30 cricketers have been named under the central contract, with players like Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Mohammed Siraj falling under Grade B.

Notably, cricketers Sarfaraz Khan and Mohammed Shami did not make the cut for the central contracts this season, raising some eyebrows among fans and analysts.

Women’s Central Contracts

For the women’s national cricket team, the Grade A payment system includes World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur, along with Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma. The board has listed 21 cricketers under the central contracts for the women’s team, with most players falling under Grade C.

Four cricketers each have been placed in Grade A and Grade B for the women’s cricket team, with players like Renuka Thakur, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, and Sneh Rana representing Grade B.

2025-26 Season Contracts

The BCCI has announced the Annual Player Contracts for Team India Senior Men and Senior Women for the 2025-26 season, which will run from October 1st, 2025 to September 30th, 2026.

Full List of Central Contracts

For the senior men’s cricket team, Grade A includes Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja. Grade B features players like Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, and Rishabh Pant, among others. Grade C includes a mix of emerging and established players like Varun Chakravarthy, Sanju Samson, and Ruturaj Gaikwad.

On the women’s side, Grade A consists of Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma. Grade B includes talented players like Renuka Thakur, Shafali Verma, and Richa Ghosh, while Grade C features up-and-coming stars like Yastika Bhatia and Harleen Deol.

Conclusion

With the announcement of the new central contracts, Indian cricket fans have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming season. The reshuffling of grades and the inclusion of new players indicate that the BCCI is focused on nurturing talent and rewarding performance across both the men’s and women’s teams.

Predictions for the 2025-26 Season

As the BCCI unveils the central contracts for the 2025-26 season, cricket enthusiasts are already making predictions about how the players will perform in the upcoming year. With seasoned players like Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah leading the Grade A list, expectations are high for their stellar performances in both Test matches and ODIs.

Young talents like Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, who have been placed in Grade B, are likely to make significant contributions to the team’s success. Their consistent performances in domestic and international matches have earned them central contracts, and fans are eagerly awaiting their growth and impact on the field.

On the women’s side, players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana have proven their prowess in the sport, and their presence in Grade A contracts sets the stage for some exciting matches. With the rise of promising players like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh in Grade B, the women’s team is poised to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.

Impact of Central Contracts

The central contracts system plays a crucial role in providing financial stability to cricketers and recognizing their hard work and dedication to the sport. By categorizing players based on their performance and experience, the BCCI ensures that talent is rewarded appropriately, motivating players to strive for excellence in every match.

Moreover, the central contracts serve as a form of encouragement for young and aspiring cricketers to work towards securing a place in the national team. The prospect of being included in the central contracts list motivates players to sharpen their skills, maintain consistency, and perform consistently in domestic and international competitions.

With the evolving landscape of cricket and the increasing competition in the sport, the central contracts system acts as a driving force for players to push their boundaries, excel in their roles, and contribute significantly to their team’s success.

Building a Strong Team for the Future

As the BCCI finalizes the central contracts for the 2025-26 season, the focus is not just on the current players but also on building a strong team for the future. By including a mix of experienced veterans and promising youngsters in the central contracts list, the board aims to create a balanced squad that can navigate the challenges of international cricket.

The selection of players like Mohammed Siraj and Rishabh Pant in Grade B contracts reflects the board’s confidence in their potential to evolve into key players for the team. These contracts provide them with the security and support needed to continue honing their skills and making valuable contributions to the team’s performance.

Similarly, the inclusion of emerging talents like Renuka Thakur and Sneh Rana in the women’s central contracts list underscores the BCCI’s commitment to nurturing young cricketers and fostering a culture of excellence in women’s cricket.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025-26 season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the on-field action and the performances of players who have secured central contracts. With a mix of established stars and rising talents in both the men’s and women’s teams, Indian cricket is set for an exciting journey filled with promise and potential.

The central contracts announcement serves as a reminder of the dedication, hard work, and passion that cricketers bring to the game. It symbolizes the journey of each player, from striving for recognition to earning a place among the elite, and underscores the significance of teamwork, perseverance, and commitment in the world of cricket.

Overall, the new central contracts for the 2025-26 season set the stage for a thrilling year of cricket, where players will aim to exceed expectations, showcase their skills, and make their mark on the sport.

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