BCCI Central Contract Rules: How Players Are Paid
To qualify for a central contract, a player must meet specific eligibility criteria - featuring in at least 3 Tests, 8 ODIs, or 10 T20Is within a year.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce its latest list of centrally contracted players soon, with several notable changes on the cards.
Shreyas Iyer, who has been out of the contract list for nearly two years, is likely to make a return. Axar Patel is also expected to receive a promotion based on his recent performances.
To qualify for a central contract, a player must meet specific eligibility criteria - featuring in at least 3 Tests, 8 ODIs, or 10 T20Is within a year.
BCCI's central contract system is divided into four grades:
Grade A+: Rs 7 crore annually
Grade A: Rs 5 crore annually
Grade B: Rs 3 crore annually
Grade C: Rs 1 crore annually
Rohit, Virat Retain Top BCCI Contract Grade: Shreyas Returns
Legendary cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are likely to retain their A+ grade in the upcoming BCCI central contract list. Players in A+ category are mostly those who play across all three formats.
Despite stepping away from T20Is, the board is reportedly keen on continuing to honor their contribution by keeping them in the top category, which comes with an annual retainership of Rs 7 crore.
According to reports, the decision stems from a desire to show respect for the senior players' legacy and their ongoing impact in Tests and ODIs.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer, who was previously excluded from the central contract for skipping domestic matches, is likely to make a comeback.
Currently leading Punjab Kings in the IPL, Iyer is being considered for reinstatement based on his recent form and potential role in the national team going forward.
Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, and Varun Chakravarthy are strong contenders to earn a place in the BCCI's central contract list for the first time.
Varun Chakravarthy made a compelling case with 9 wickets in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Nitish Reddy impressed during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, displaying composure and consistency in high-pressure conditions.
Abhishek Sharma has been in red-hot form in the T20 format, scoring 411 runs at a strike rate of 200.48 in 12 T20 Internationals during the 2024-25 season.
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