The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly preparing to unveil Team India’s central contracts for 2026, with significant changes expected in player categories.
Senior Indian stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are among those who could be demoted, following their retirement from two formats.
Rohit and Virat ended their T20I careers after winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. They announced retirements from Test cricket within days of each other ahead of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Notably, the two cricketers returned to play in Ranji Trophy matches soon after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Likely to Be Demoted in BCCI Central Contract List
Earlier, senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were included in Grade A+ contracts, as they were active across all three formats. However, after retiring from Tests and T20Is, both players now feature only in ODI cricket, which could lead to a change in their contract status.
According to Sportstak, Rohit and Kohli are likely to be demoted from the A+ category, as this top tier is reserved for players who are available in all formats. Players from the A+ contract will earn ₹7 crore, and Kohli has been part of this elite group since it was introduced in 2018.
On the other hand, Shubman Gill is expected to move up the contract ladder. As India’s current ODI and Test captain, Gill is likely to be promoted from Grade A to Grade A+. The previous central contract cycle ran from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Ishan Kishan Set to Remain in BCCI Central Contracts
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is expected to retain Ishan Kishan in the central contract system. He was recently selected in India’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup.
The A+ contract category is set to feature players who remain key across formats. Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah are all expected to retain or secure spots in the elite bracket due to their leadership roles and consistent involvement.
The new central contracts are likely to be announced within the next couple of days. Alongside player contracts, the board is also set to review a long-pending proposal to increase match fees for domestic umpires and match referees, addressing concerns raised within the domestic cricket circuit.
How the BCCI Decides Central Contract Grades
The BCCI reviews central contract grades every year, and the process goes beyond a player’s reputation or past achievements. Recent performances, consistency, fitness, and overall impact during the previous season play a key role in deciding whether a player is promoted, retained, or demoted.
Match participation is also an important factor. Players, including senior cricketers, must meet minimum appearance requirements in Tests, ODIs, or T20Is to remain eligible for a contract. Playing more matches does not automatically lead to a higher grade.
Another major criterion is domestic cricket involvement. When players are not on international duty, the BCCI expects them to take part in tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy. This rule has become much stricter in recent years.