Reports: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma demoted to Grade B in latest BCCI central contracts list

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly finalised a significant overhaul of its central contracts for the 2025–26 season, marking a major shift in how player retainers are structured. According to reports, the board has decided to scrap the Grade A+ category altogether, moving to a streamlined three-tier system that places greater emphasis on current workload and multi-format availability.

One of the most notable outcomes of this reshuffle is the demotion of senior stalwarts

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have been placed in Group B under the revised structure. While the move has drawn attention due to their stature in Indian cricket, it is understood to be a reflection of their current international commitments rather than a judgement on legacy or past achievements.

Both Kohli and Rohit have stepped away from T20Is and Test cricket and are currently active only in the one-dayers. As per the BCCI’s revised criteria, players who are not consistently available across formats or do not form part of the leadership core no longer qualify for the top bracket. This shift underlines the board’s intent to align contracts with present-day contributions rather than historical standing.

Under the new system, Group A now represents the highest tier of central contracts. This category features just three players: Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja. Gill’s elevation reflects his growing leadership role across formats, while Bumrah continues to be India’s premier fast bowler and a central figure in limited-overs and Test cricket. Jadeja’s inclusion highlights his sustained all-round value and availability across formats.

Group B, which now includes Kohli and Rohit, features several senior and core players such as Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, and Washington Sundar. This bracket largely comprises players who remain integral to the setup but do not currently meet the board’s top-tier criteria in terms of format coverage or leadership roles.

Group C, the third tier, includes a mix of emerging talents and format-specific regulars, with names such as Axar Patel, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ravi Bishnoi among others. This category reflects the BCCI’s intent to recognise growing contributors while maintaining flexibility in future promotions.

The restructuring has reportedly been driven by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, which has prioritised workload management, availability, and current relevance. By removing the Rs 7 crore A+ bracket, the BCCI appears to be reinforcing a merit-based approach rooted in contemporary performance demands.

While the absence of an elite tier may be perceived as symbolic for senior players, the revised framework underscores a broader transition in Indian cricket, one that rewards present impact and adaptability as the team evolves for the future.