Kohli, Rohit Set For BCCI Contract Downgrade? Here's What We Know
Senior Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja could face a major shake-up in the new contract structure.
With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announcing the central contracts for women cricketers, attention has now shifted to the upcoming men's central contracts. Major changes are expected, sparking widespread speculation.
Shreyas Iyer set for a comeback
Even before the official announcement, reports suggest that Shreyas Iyer is likely to return to BCCI's central contract list. The middle-order batter, who was left out in the previous cycle, has strengthened his case with consistent performances, including his crucial role in India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph in Dubai.
Uncertainty Over Rohit & Kohli's status
According to media reports, senior Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja could face a major shake-up in the new contract structure. Previously, Rohit, Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah were part of the elite A+ category, which is reserved for players featuring across all three formats.
However, with Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja having retired from T20Is, BCCI is reportedly considering changes to their contract status. While some officials believe they should retain their A+ contracts, others argue that a revision is necessary.
According to a report in Hindustan Times, BCCI's central contract selections will be based on recent performances rather than past achievements.
The report clarifies that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20Is will not impact their contract status. All three senior players - Kohli, Rohit, and Ravindra Jadeja - are expected to retain their spots in A+ category for 2024-25 cycle.
The selection committee will finalize the central contract list by evaluating performances from October 2023 to September 2024. During this period, India finished as runners-up in 2023 ODI World Cup, clinched the 2024 T20 World Cup title, and secured a Test series win vs England.
What's at stake?
Players in the A+ category receive an annual contract worth Rs 7 crore. Since this tier is typically reserved for all-format players, the eligibility of Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja is now under scrutiny.
As BCCI finalizes the men’s central contract list, all eyes will be on whether these senior players retain their top-tier status or if a reshuffle is on the horizon.
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