The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce its central contract list for the upcoming season in the next few days. Reports suggest that a key meeting is scheduled for Saturday, where BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and newly appointed India head coach Gautam Gambhir will be in attendance. This meeting will be crucial in finalizing the contracts, with particular attention on senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, who recently retired from T20 Internationals following India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Senior Players Retained in A+ Category
According to a report from The Times of India (TOI), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja are set to retain their A+ category contracts, which is the highest tier in the BCCI’s central contract system. The trio, along with premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, will continue to receive the highest retainership fee of ₹7 crore per annum. Despite transitioning into a dual-format role post their T20I retirement, their contributions in Tests and ODIs ensure their place in the elite category.
Shreyas Iyer Set for Contract Reinstatement
Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, who was excluded from the 2023-24 central contract list due to his absence from domestic cricket, is expected to be reinstated. Sources indicate that Iyer’s impressive performances, including being India’s top scorer in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2025, have played a key role in this decision. Additionally, he is currently leading Punjab Kings in the IPL, showcasing strong leadership and batting prowess.
Doubt Over Ishan Kishan’s Return
While Iyer’s return appears certain, the situation remains unclear regarding wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. Like Iyer, Kishan was dropped from the central contract list last season for prioritizing IPL commitments over domestic cricket. The BCCI had previously issued a directive encouraging players to participate in the domestic circuit to be eligible for central contracts. However, discussions on Kishan’s potential return are ongoing, and his final status remains uncertain.
Potential Promotions and New Inclusions
Axar Patel: The left-arm spin all-rounder, who currently serves as India’s T20 vice-captain, is likely to be promoted from Grade B (₹3 crore) to Grade A (₹5 crore). His consistent performances across formats have strengthened his case for an upgrade.
Emerging Players: The report further suggests that mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, and explosive batter Abhishek Sharma are set to earn their maiden BCCI central contracts.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The dynamic young opener could see an elevation from his current Grade B contract given his promising performances across formats.
Akash Deep & Sarfaraz Khan: Bengal fast bowler Akash Deep, who has played seven Test matches in the calendar year, and middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan, who has featured in three Tests, are likely to be inducted into Grade C (₹1 crore).
BCCI’s Contract System
The BCCI’s central contract system classifies players into four grades:
A+ Category: ₹7 crore retainership fee (reserved for top-performing players across all formats)
A Category: ₹5 crore retainership fee
B Category: ₹3 crore retainership fee
C Category: ₹1 crore retainership fee
To be eligible for a central contract, a player must have played at least three Test matches, eight ODIs, or ten T20Is in a calendar year. This criterion ensures that only consistent performers at the international level receive financial security and recognition.
Final Decision Awaited
With the finalization of the central contract list imminent, all eyes will be on BCCI’s decision regarding players like Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Axar Patel. The official announcement will provide clarity on the BCCI’s long-term vision for Indian cricket and the players they see as key figures in the team’s future across formats.