The Board of Control for Cricket in India is on the verge of announcing its central contract list, expected to be revealed in the coming days. A crucial meeting is scheduled for Saturday, which will include prominent figures such as BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and the head coach of the national team, Gautam Gambhir. The outcome of this meeting will have significant implications for well-known players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja. This trio has transitioned to playing exclusively in two formats after retiring from T20 internationals post the 2024 T20 World Cup victory.
According to reports, Rohit Sharma, who serves as India's captain in One Day Internationals and Test matches, alongside Virat Kohli and the allrounder Ravindra Jadeja, is anticipated to maintain his position within the A+ category of central contracts. This tier represents the highest level within the BCCI's contract structure. Additionally, it is suggested that they will be joined in this elite category by the fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
The reports indicate a potential return for Shreyas Iyer, who was previously excluded from the BCCI's central contract list for the 2023-24 season due to a lack of participation in domestic cricket. Wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan also faced a similar fate, but his inclusion remains uncertain. Sources suggest that Shreyas Iyer is likely to regain his contract at the top level, though discussions about Ishan's situation are still ongoing.
Notably, Iyer was recognized as the top scorer for India in the Champions Trophy 2025, showcasing his talent during that tournament, and is currently captaining the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League, further bolstering his case for reinstatement.
In another notable development, left-arm spin allrounder Axar Patel, who holds the position of vice-captain in India's T20 team, may be promoted from Grade B to Grade A, reflecting his growing influence within the squad.
Furthermore, the reports suggest that players such as the enigmatic spinner Varun Chakravarthy, allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Abhishek Sharma are set to be awarded BCCI central contracts, marking a significant step in their professional journeys.
The A+ category of these contracts provides players with a retainership fee of ₹7 crore, while those in Grade A earn ₹5 crore. Players classified under Grade B and Grade C receive ₹3 crore and ₹1 crore, respectively. Each player must fulfill specific eligibility requirements to be included in the central contract list. This means that a player must participate in at least three Test matches, eight One Day Internationals, or ten Twenty20 Internationals within a calendar year to be considered for the subsequent season.
Another point of interest is the status of young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal, who could potentially see an upgrade from his current Grade B contract due to his impressive performances across formats. There is also a possibility for Bengal fast bowler Akash Deep, who has participated in seven Tests, and Sarfaraz Khan, who has appeared in three Tests during the same calendar year, to be inducted into Group C, thereby enhancing their career trajectories with national recognition.
Overall, the imminent announcement of the central contract list represents a pivotal moment for both established stars and emerging talents within Indian cricket. Fans and experts alike will be closely monitoring these developments, as they can shape the future dynamics of the national team and impact the selections for various international fixtures and tournaments ahead. As the BCCI strives to reward consistent performances while also nurturing young prospects, the upcoming list will not only reflect current achievements but also project the direction in which Indian cricket is headed.