The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning a major change to its Annual Central Contracts system. The move could change how India’s top cricketers are ranked and paid. According to an ANI report, the selection committee has suggested removing the Grade A+ category completely.
This change could directly affect senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both players are currently placed in the highest grade.
Three-grade structure may replace current system
The proposal has been put forward by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. As per the plan, the contract system will have only three grades – A, B and C. The current four-grade structure will no longer exist if the proposal is approved.
At present, Grade A+ players receive an annual retainer of Rs 7 crore. If the category is removed, this top slab will disappear. Sources say the decision is still under discussion and has not been finalised.
“If the new structure is cleared, players will be grouped based on current format involvement rather than stature or legacy,” a BCCI official was quoted by ANI on condition of anonymity.
Under the proposed system, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to be placed in Grade B. Both players are now active only in ODIs. Grade B currently carries a retainer of Rs 3 crore.
The BCCI’s apex council is expected to discuss the proposal in its next meeting. There is also uncertainty over whether the salary amounts will change along with the new structure.
“Nothing is final yet, but there is a clear intent to align contracts with workload, formats played and future planning,” another senior BCCI source added.
The current 2024-25 contracts were announced in April 2025. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah were in Grade A+. Grade A included players like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya. Grade B had Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel. Many young players were placed in Grade C.
Central contracts offer financial security and show a player’s standing in Indian cricket.
ALSO READ When is Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s next ODI match after New Zealand home series?
