The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the central contracts for the 2025-26 season, covering October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. In a major shake-up, the board has scrapped the A+ category, reducing the structure to three grades: A, B, and C. This restructuring has led to significant changes, with stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being demoted to Grade B, while rising stars like Shubman Gill have been promoted to the top bracket.
Key Highlights
- Grade A (Top Tier): Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja.
- Grade B: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Suryakumar Yadav.
- Grade C: Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, others.
- Dropped: Mohammed Shami and some fringe players did not find a place in the list.
- Women’s Contracts: Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma retained in Grade A.
Analysis of BCCI Contracts
| Factor | Previous Season (2024-25) | Current Season (2025-26) | Outcome Observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contract Structure | A+, A, B, C | A, B, C (A+ scrapped) | Simplified grading |
| Top Category | Rohit, Kohli, Bumrah, Jadeja | Gill, Bumrah, Jadeja | Youth focus |
| Senior Stars | Rohit, Kohli in A+ | Demoted to Grade B | Reduced priority |
| Promotions | Washington Sundar, Gill | Elevated to higher grades | Recognition of form |
| Exclusions | Shami, fringe players | Dropped | Performance-based |
Comparative Analysis of Men’s Contracts
| Grade | Players (2025-26) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja | Only three names, signaling exclusivity |
| Grade B | Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Suryakumar Yadav | Mix of seniors and mid-career players |
| Grade C | Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, others | Fringe and recovering players |
| Dropped | Mohammed Shami, others | No contracts due to form/fitness |
Comparative Analysis of Women’s Contracts
| Grade | Players (2025-26) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma | Core leadership group |
| Grade B | Renuka Singh, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh | Emerging stars |
| Grade C | Several domestic performers | Developmental contracts |
Drivers of the Reshuffle
- Performance-Based Assessment: Younger players like Shubman Gill rewarded for consistent form.
- Retirement Factor: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from Test and T20I formats, influencing their downgrade.
- Fitness Concerns: Mohammed Shami excluded due to injuries and limited availability.
- Future Planning: BCCI signaling a generational shift with Gill, Sundar, and Siraj in higher brackets.
- Women’s Cricket Growth: Continued emphasis on core performers like Harmanpreet and Mandhana.
Public and Media Reaction
- Fans: Mixed reactions, with some disappointed at Kohli and Rohit’s demotion, while others welcomed Gill’s promotion.
- Analysts: Viewed the move as a clear indication of BCCI’s focus on the next generation.
- Media: Highlighted the absence of Shami and the shrinking of Grade A as the biggest talking points.
- Opposition Voices: Questioned whether senior players were treated fairly despite their contributions.
Future Outlook
The new contract list suggests:
- Generational Transition: Younger players taking center stage.
- Performance Priority: Contracts tied closely to recent form and fitness.
- Women’s Cricket Growth: Continued investment in top performers.
- Financial Impact: Grade A players earn ₹5 crore annually, Grade B ₹3 crore, Grade C ₹1 crore.
Challenges ahead:
- Managing senior players’ morale amid demotions.
- Ensuring fitness and consistency of promoted youngsters.
- Balancing commercial interests with performance-based contracts.
Conclusion
The BCCI central contracts for 2025-26 mark a major reshuffle, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma demoted to Grade B, Shubman Gill promoted to Grade A, and Mohammed Shami dropped altogether. The simplified grading system reflects BCCI’s focus on performance, fitness, and future planning. With only three players in the top bracket, the board has signaled a generational shift, while continuing to strengthen women’s cricket through stable contracts for its core stars.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational and analytical purposes only. It summarizes publicly available updates on BCCI’s central contracts. It does not constitute insider information, endorsement, or professional consultation. Readers are encouraged to verify facts independently and consider multiple perspectives before forming conclusions.
