BCCI Changes Player Contracts for 2025-26 Season

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has updated its player contracts for the 2025-26 season. Some well-known players will not get contracts this year. Also, famous players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been moved to a lower contract grade. The BCCI has also removed the top grade (A+) and now has three grades: A, B, and C.
By Newsroom | Cricket, India |

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced its annual central contracts for the 2025-26 season, signaling significant shifts in player standings. Notably, several prominent cricketers are absent from the contracted list, while established stars have experienced category demotions. The restructured contract system, now featuring three grades (A, B, and C) after the discontinuation of Grade A+, has brought about these changes, impacting both male and female players.

5 players to miss out on BCCI's central contract for 2025-26 season: Mohammed Shami to Ishan Kishan; check all top big names - 1

Contractual Realignment and Player Omissions

The latest BCCI central contracts for the 2025-26 season reveal a significant overhaul, with several high-profile players finding themselves outside the annual retainership list. The restructuring saw the BCCI scrap the Grade A+ category, simplifying the system into Grades A, B, and C. This move, combined with the board's focus on current international involvement, appears to have led to the exclusion of players like Mohammed Shami and Ishan Kishan.

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5 players to miss out on BCCI's central contract for 2025-26 season: Mohammed Shami to Ishan Kishan; check all top big names - 2

  • Exclusions and Their Apparent Basis: Reports indicate that Ishan Kishan's absence from the contracted list stems from his lack of international appearances during the evaluation period. Similarly, Mohammed Shami's omission has also been highlighted as a key development.

  • Category Downgrades: Beyond those entirely dropped, established figures like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been moved down from the previously highest category. They are now placed in Grade B, a significant shift from their former A+ status.

Shifting Tiers and New Entrants

The recalibration of the BCCI's central contracts has also seen promotions for some players and demotions for others, reflecting current form and international engagement. The new structure has redefined the pecking order for national team players.

5 players to miss out on BCCI's central contract for 2025-26 season: Mohammed Shami to Ishan Kishan; check all top big names - 3

  • Promoted Players: Shubman Gill has achieved a maiden promotion to the top tier, Grade A, alongside established players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. Washington Sundar is noted for receiving a substantial boost, moving up two categories.

  • Grade B Occupants: Players like Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have been placed in Grade B.

  • Women's Contracts: In the women's category, Sneh Rana has seen a promotion from Grade C to Grade B.

Factors Influencing Contract Decisions

The BCCI's decision-making process for central contracts appears to be multifaceted, with player performance, recent international activity, and fitness being key determinants. The board's emphasis on players actively participating at the highest level is a recurring theme.

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  • International Absence as a Factor: The lack of recent international outings is repeatedly cited as a primary reason for player omissions, with Ishan Kishan being a prominent example.

  • Injuries and Performance: For some players, injuries have played a role in their lack of game time and subsequent contract status. Reports mention that injuries affected Shreyanka Patil's ability to feature for India, potentially impacting her contract.

  • Domestic Form vs. International Presence: While prolific domestic form is often a precursor to national selection, recent performance in international fixtures seems to carry significant weight in contract allocations. Sarfaraz Khan, despite his domestic success, is noted for missing out, possibly due to inconsistent performances in limited international opportunities.

Notable Player Movements

The central contract list for 2025-26 presents a clear picture of player movements, with several significant shifts that have captured attention.

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  • Kohli and Sharma's Demotion: The downgrading of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Grade A+ to Grade B is perhaps the most significant talking point. This move is linked to their retirement from Test cricket and current focus on One Day Internationals (ODIs).

  • New Faces and Grade C: The list also includes emerging players securing Grade C contracts, indicating the BCCI's strategy for developing a broader talent pool.

  • Player Category Distribution: The contract structure now comprises Grade A with 3 players, Grade B with 11 players, and Grade C with 16 players, showcasing the depth and distribution of contracted talent.

Expert Analysis

"The BCCI's move towards a streamlined three-tier system is a pragmatic approach to contract allocation. The emphasis on current international engagement rather than past laurels is a clear signal of their expectations from contracted players." – Cricket Analyst (Unattributed)

"While some big names have been demoted, it's important to recognize that the standard of cricket is extremely high. Players need to consistently perform at the international level to retain their status." – Sports Journalist (Unattributed)

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The BCCI's 2025-26 central contract list represents a significant recalibration, marked by the exclusion of several recognized players and substantial category shifts for established stars. The discontinuation of the Grade A+ category and the adoption of a three-tier system (A, B, C) appear to underscore a greater emphasis on consistent international performance and availability. The omission of players like Mohammed Shami and Ishan Kishan, attributed largely to a lack of recent international matches, highlights this strategic pivot. Concurrently, the demotion of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to Grade B, following their focus on limited-overs cricket, further solidifies this trend.

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The inclusion of new talent and promotions for players like Shubman Gill and Washington Sundar demonstrate the board's forward-looking approach. For players outside the contracted list, future selection will likely hinge on their ability to re-establish consistent international presence and demonstrate peak performance. The unfolding of the 2025-26 season will be crucial in observing the long-term impact of these contractual decisions on player motivation and team composition.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is not on the new BCCI contract list?
Players like Mohammed Shami and Ishan Kishan are not on the list.
Q: Why are some players not on the list?
The BCCI seems to be choosing players who play international games often.
Q: Have any famous players moved to lower grades?
Yes, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have moved from the top grade to Grade B.
Q: What are the new contract grades?
The BCCI now has three grades: A, B, and C. They removed the Grade A+ category.