Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma likely to be demoted from BCCI’s central contracts ahead of the T20 World Cup

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma likely to be demoted from BCCI’s central contracts ahead of the T20 World Cup

BCCI to Revise Central Contracts with Potential Demotion for Kohli and Sharma

As per reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to reevaluate its central contracts during the upcoming apex council meeting on December 22. Speculations suggest that seasoned players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma might face a demotion in the contract hierarchy. The revised list of contracts is expected to be unveiled post the meeting.

Retirement from T20Is and Tests

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli bid adieu to T20 International cricket simultaneously after securing victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Following this, both stalwarts retired from Test cricket within a short span before the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Despite their retirements, they continued to participate in domestic Ranji Trophy matches subsequent to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The duo was anticipated to feature in the series against England, with Kohli inching closer to the 10,000-run milestone in Tests. Nonetheless, they made the decision to retire from red-ball cricket and shift their focus primarily towards One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) as they venture into the twilight of their playing careers.

Previous Contract Details

In the previous cycle, former Indian team captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were placed in the highest contract tier by the BCCI, Grade A+. Both players received a salary of ₹7 crore each. Kohli has maintained his position in this category since its establishment in 2018. Grade A+ is designated for players who actively participate in all three cricket formats.

Despite their withdrawal from T20Is post the 2024 World Cup victory, both players were retained in the top tier last cycle due to the BCCI’s emphasis on Test and ODI performances over T20 cricket. The contract cycle spanned from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, and also included Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja alongside Rohit and Kohli in the highest category.

Potential Salary Deduction

Reports suggest that during the upcoming meeting, the BCCI may contemplate reducing the salaries of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma by ₹2 crore each. This deduction could be a result of their current involvement solely in ODI matches.

If the players are downgraded from Grade A+ to Grade A, their annual earnings would decrease from ₹7 crore to ₹5 crore. The board’s existing payment structure allots ₹7 crore for Grade A+, ₹5 crore for Grade A, ₹3 crore for Grade B, and ₹1 crore for Grade C.

Determining Contract Grades

The BCCI evaluates central contract grades annually, considering various factors beyond just reputation. Recent performance, consistency, and overall impact during the prior cycle play crucial roles in determining a player’s position on the contract list.

Eligibility for contract grades also hinges on match participation. Players, irrespective of seniority, must fulfill minimum appearance criteria in formats like Tests, ODIs, and T20Is to retain their contracts. Simply playing a higher number of matches does not guarantee a promotion to a higher grade.

Furthermore, when not engaged in national duties, the BCCI mandates players to participate in domestic tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy. Compliance with these regulations has become more stringent in recent times, leading to consequences for players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan who failed to adhere to the stipulations.

Impact of Retirement on Contract Reevaluation

The decision of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to retire from T20 Internationals and Tests has significant implications for their central contracts with the BCCI. While both players have excelled in the limited-overs formats, their absence from Test cricket and T20Is could potentially lead to a revision in their contract grades. The BCCI may prioritize players who are actively involved in all three formats, which could result in Kohli and Sharma facing a demotion in their contract hierarchy.

Performance Metrics and Contract Grades

When assessing central contracts, the BCCI considers a range of performance metrics beyond just the player’s reputation. Factors such as recent form, consistency, and impact in matches play a crucial role in determining the contract grade. While Kohli and Sharma have been stalwarts of Indian cricket, their decision to focus solely on ODIs and IPL may impact their standing in the contract list. The board is likely to prioritize players who contribute across all formats, which could lead to a potential salary deduction for the two veterans.

Contract Grade Downgrades and Salary Adjustments

If Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are indeed demoted from Grade A+ to Grade A in the revised contract list, they may face a salary deduction of ₹2 crore each. This adjustment reflects the BCCI’s emphasis on rewarding players who actively participate in all formats of the game. While Kohli and Sharma have been top performers for India, their decision to retire from certain formats could impact their contract status and financial earnings.

Future Outlook for Kohli and Sharma

As Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma navigate the twilight of their playing careers, the revised central contracts by the BCCI could provide insights into their future roles within the Indian team. With a focus on grooming young talent and fostering a balanced squad across formats, the board’s decisions regarding contract grades and salaries will shed light on the direction of Indian cricket leadership. Kohli and Sharma’s contributions to the team, both on and off the field, will continue to shape their legacy in Indian cricket.

Evolution of Contract Structures in Indian Cricket

Over the years, the central contract structure in Indian cricket has evolved to reflect the changing dynamics of the sport. The BCCI’s emphasis on performance-based criteria, match participation, and adherence to domestic tournament regulations underscores the need for players to align with the board’s vision for the national team. As the landscape of cricket continues to evolve, central contracts serve as a vital tool for recognizing and rewarding players who exemplify the values and standards set by the governing body.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the impending revision of central contracts by the BCCI signifies a pivotal moment for players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. As they transition towards a new phase in their careers, the decisions made by the board regarding their contract grades and salaries will provide valuable insights into the future of Indian cricket. With a focus on performance, participation, and adherence to regulations, the BCCI’s contract reevaluation highlights the ongoing evolution of the sport and the expectations placed on its top players.

Latest News