The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is on the cusp of announcing its central contracts for men’s cricket, a move that promises significant changes in the structure and composition of the team. This year’s list is expected to bring back some familiar faces while introducing new talent, all while navigating the complexities of player retirements and performance evaluations. Let’s dive into the details and explore the ins and outs of the BCCI’s central contracts for 2025.
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Shreyas Iyer’s Comeback
Shreyas Iyer, who was notably absent from the central contracts list last season due to his absence from domestic cricket, is set to make a comeback. His stellar performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he was India’s top run-scorer, has cemented his place in the team. Iyer is likely to be included in Grade B, earning him an annual retainer of Rs 3 crore. His return to form and participation in the domestic season were crucial factors in his selection.
New Inclusions: Akash Deep, Sarfaraz Khan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy
The BCCI is also expected to introduce new names to the central contracts list. Akash Deep, who has played seven Tests, and Sarfaraz Khan, with three Tests under his belt, are strong candidates for Grade C contracts, which come with a retainer of Rs 1 crore. Nitish Kumar Reddy, having played all five Tests of the Border-Gavaskar series, is also poised for inclusion.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Axar Patel: Potential Promotions
Yashasvi Jaiswal, currently holding a Grade B contract, is in line for a promotion due to his impressive performances across formats. Axar Patel, who was recently named vice-captain for the England T20I series, is a strong contender for elevation from Grade B to A, which would increase his annual retainer to Rs 5 crore.
Mohammed Shami’s Uncertain Future
Mohammed Shami, who faced a prolonged injury layoff in 2024, might miss out on a central contract. Despite his return to action in 2025, his absence from the field for much of the previous year could impact his inclusion.
Rohit, Virat, and Jadeja: Retaining A+ Contracts
Despite retiring from T20Is, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja are likely to retain their A+ contracts, earning them Rs 7 crore annually. This decision reflects their continued importance in the Test and ODI formats.
The A+ Category Conundrum
The A+ category, reserved for players who are automatic selections across all three formats, is facing a revamp. With Rohit, Virat, and Jadeja no longer active in T20Is, there is debate over whether they should remain in this category. An influential section within the BCCI wants to maintain the status quo, while others argue for changes.
The Contract Policy
To be eligible for a central contract, players must have participated in at least three Tests, eight ODIs, or 10 T20Is in a calendar year. This policy ensures that only consistently performing players are rewarded with contracts.
Stakeholders’ Disagreement
There is disagreement among stakeholders regarding the retention of senior players in the A+ category. While some argue for maintaining the current structure, others believe changes are necessary given the players’ reduced format participation.
The upcoming BCCI central contracts announcement promises to be a significant event in Indian cricket, marking both a return to form for some players and the introduction of new talent. As the cricketing world waits with bated breath, one thing is clear: this year’s contracts will reflect a blend of experience and youth, setting the stage for an exciting future in Indian cricket.
FAQ
Who is likely to make a comeback in the BCCI central contracts?
Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are expected to regain their central contracts after missing out last season.
What are the criteria for a player to be included in the BCCI central contracts?
A player must have played at least three Tests, eight ODIs, or 10 T20Is in a calendar year.
Which new players are likely to be included in the contracts?
Akash Deep, Sarfaraz Khan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy are strong candidates for inclusion.
Why might Mohammed Shami miss out on a central contract?
Shami faced a prolonged injury layoff in 2024, which could impact his inclusion.
Will Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja retain their A+ contracts?
Yes, despite retiring from T20Is, they are likely to retain their A+ contracts.
What is the annual retainer for players in Grade B?
Players in Grade B earn Rs 3 crore annually.
Who is in line for a promotion from Grade B to A?
Axar Patel is a strong contender for promotion due to his recent performances and appointments.
What is the significance of the A+ category in BCCI contracts?
The A+ category is reserved for players who are automatic selections across all three formats.