BCCI Plans Overhaul of Central Contracts; Grade A+ Likely to Be Scrapped, Kohli-Rohit May Be Demoted to Grade B

New Delhi, Jan 20: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to introduce a revised central contract system that could significantly reshape how India's top cricketers are graded and compensated.

According to reports, the new model proposes discontinuing the elite Grade A+ category, leaving only three brackets-A, B, and C-subject to approval by the board.

If the proposal is cleared at the next apex council meeting, Team India stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both currently active primarily in ODIs, are expected to be placed in Grade B under the revamped structure.

Selection Committee's Proposal

The changes have been recommended by the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar, which has advocated scrapping the A+ tier (currently valued at ₹7 crore annually). Under the proposed system, the BCCI would retain only three grades, with further clarity awaited on revised remuneration for each category.

A final decision-and any associated pay recalibration-is expected when the BCCI apex council convenes to review the proposal.

What the Current Contract System Looks Like

BCCI Central Contracts are annual retainers awarded to Indian cricketers, over and above match fees, and are currently structured as follows:

• Grade A+: ₹7 crore
• Grade A: ₹5 crore
• Grade B: ₹3 crore
• Grade C: ₹1 crore

The 2024-25 central contract list, announced in April 2025, placed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah in Grade A+. Grade A featured Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill (ODI & Test captain), Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, and Rishabh Pant.

Grade B included Suryakumar Yadav (T20I captain), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer, while Grade C comprised a broader pool of emerging and rotational players such as Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, among others.

Why the Change Matters

If approved, the overhaul would mark a philosophical shift in how the BCCI rewards national team players, potentially aligning contracts more closely with current formats played and availability rather than legacy status. For veterans like Kohli and Rohit, a move to Grade B would reflect their selective international schedules rather than their stature in Indian cricket.

With discussions ongoing and official confirmation pending, all eyes now turn to the apex council meeting, which will determine whether the BCCI presses ahead with one of its most significant contract reforms in recent years.