The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced its latest BCCI Annual Contract list, triggering widespread discussion across the cricketing world. The new contract cycle, effective from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, brings major structural changes, including the complete removal of the prestigious A+ grade and the demotion of senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
In one of the most significant overhauls in recent years, the BCCI has reshaped its player-retainer system, reflecting changing team priorities, fitness benchmarks, and performance evaluations across formats.
A+ Grade Discontinued: A Major Shift in BCCI Policy
Until last season, the A+ category represented the elite tier of Indian cricket. Players in this bracket earned ₹7 crore annually, recognizing their consistent performances across formats and leadership roles.
However, in a surprising move, the BCCI Annual Contract framework no longer includes the A+ grade. The board has not publicly disclosed the revised salary slabs, but based on previous structures, the removal of A+ effectively means a significant financial downgrade for players who previously occupied that tier.
If the BCCI continues with last year’s pay structure for remaining grades, the implications are clear.
Previous Annual Contract Salary Structure
| Contract Grade | Annual Salary (₹) |
|---|---|
| A+ | 7 crore |
| A | 5 crore |
| B | 3 crore |
| C | 1 crore |
With A+ eliminated, top players now begin at Grade A.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Demoted to Grade B
The most talked-about aspect of the new BCCI Annual Contract list is the demotion of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to Grade B. If last year’s salary slabs remain unchanged, this would translate to a potential loss of ₹4 crore each, compared to their previous earnings.
While both players remain central figures in Indian cricket, the downgrade signals a shift in the board’s evaluation metrics, likely influenced by workload management, format availability, and long-term transition planning.
Despite the demotion, both players continue to be among the most influential names in global cricket, with massive fan followings and commercial value.
Full List of BCCI Annual Contract Players (2025–26)
The BCCI has shared the complete list of retained players across Grades A, B, and C.
Grade A Players
| Player Name |
|---|
| Shubman Gill |
| Jasprit Bumrah |
| Ravindra Jadeja |
This category now represents the highest contract tier under the updated BCCI Annual Contract system.
Grade B Players
| Player Name |
|---|
| Virat Kohli |
| Rohit Sharma |
| Washington Sundar |
| KL Rahul |
| Mohammed Siraj |
| Hardik Pandya |
| Rishabh Pant |
| Kuldeep Yadav |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| Suryakumar Yadav |
| Shreyas Iyer |
Grade B features a mix of senior players, all-format contributors, and established match-winners, making it the most competitive bracket in the new contract cycle.
Grade C Players
| Player Name |
|---|
| Axar Patel |
| Tilak Varma |
| Rinku Singh |
| Shivam Dube |
| Sanju Samson |
| Arshdeep Singh |
| Prasidh Krishna |
| Akash Deep |
| Dhruv Jurel |
| Harshit Rana |
| Varun Chakravarthy |
| Nitish Reddy |
| Abhishek Sharma |
| Sai Sudharsan |
| Ravi Bishnoi |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad |
Grade C largely comprises emerging talents, white-ball specialists, and players being groomed for long-term roles.
Sai Sudharsan Earns First-Ever Central Contract
One of the standout positives from the BCCI Annual Contract announcement is the inclusion of Sai Sudharsan for the first time. The young batter has impressed selectors with his consistent performances, particularly in red-ball cricket, and has been a regular part of India’s Test setup in recent months.
His inclusion highlights the BCCI’s emphasis on rewarding players who show discipline, adaptability, and long-term potential.
Big Names Dropped From the Contract List
The latest BCCI Annual Contract list also sees several notable exclusions. Mohammed Shami, one of India’s most experienced fast bowlers, has been left out, reportedly due to fitness concerns and limited availability.
Other players removed from the contract list include:
- Ishan Kishan
- Mukesh Kumar
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Rajat Patidar
These omissions underline the board’s strict stance on availability, workload management, and performance consistency.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
The overhaul of the BCCI Annual Contract structure marks a clear transition phase for Indian cricket. By scrapping the A+ grade and redistributing players across fewer tiers, the board appears focused on performance-based accountability rather than reputation alone.
Younger players gaining contracts and senior stars facing demotions indicate a system driven by present contribution and future planning. This approach aligns with global trends in professional sport, where adaptability and fitness are increasingly prioritized.
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Conclusion:
The newly announced BCCI Annual Contract list is more than just a financial update—it is a statement of intent. From removing the A+ category to promoting emerging talents and enforcing strict selection criteria, the BCCI has signaled a shift toward a more streamlined and performance-oriented system.
As Indian cricket continues to evolve across formats, these contract decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s balance, motivation, and long-term success on the international stage.
