The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to introduce a simplified central contract system for the 2025–26 season, a move that could lead to the demotion of some of Indian cricket’s biggest names.
According to a senior BCCI official, the board is planning to remove the top-most contract tier that was introduced in 2018, streamlining the payment structure into three categories instead of four. The existing system currently includes A+, A, B, and C categories, with the highest bracket offering an annual retainer of ₹7 crore.
The revised model is expected to retain only A, B, and C categories, with the intention of making the contract hierarchy clearer and more performance-oriented. This restructuring has sparked attention largely because it directly impacts senior players who are no longer active across all formats of the game.
Why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Face Demotion
The proposed changes mean that players who do not feature regularly in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is may no longer qualify for the top contract bracket. As a result, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom currently play only in One-Day Internationals, are likely to be moved down to the B category.
A BCCI official clarified that the decision is not based on reputation or past achievements but purely on current workload and format participation. The aim, according to the board, is to ensure that the highest contracts are reserved for players who consistently shoulder responsibilities across formats and remain available throughout the year.
No Impact on All-Format Regulars
While the changes may appear significant, the BCCI has emphasized that the restructuring will not negatively affect players who continue to represent India in all formats. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is expected to remain in the top category, given his importance across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Similarly, Ravindra Jadeja is also likely to retain a high-tier contract due to his all-format presence.
The board believes the revised structure will bring greater clarity and fairness, aligning financial rewards with availability, consistency, and workload management. While the final list is yet to be officially announced, the BCCI has made it clear that the intent behind the revamp is long-term sustainability rather than targeting individual players.
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