In response to several key players missing crucial series over the past few months due to recurring injuries, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a major policy shift for awarding annual Central Contracts.
Moving forward, seniority and performance on the field alone may not be sufficient; a player’s overall availability and fitness throughout the season could become a decisive factor.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Rule:
- Players may need to meet a specific availability threshold (a fixed percentage or number of matches) during the season to qualify for a central contract.
- Elite performance alone will not guarantee a top contract if prolonged injury breaks keep the player off the field.
Current Status: According to BCCI sources, the proposal is currently in its initial discussion phase. Specific guidelines regarding genuine injuries, threshold percentages, and execution models are yet to be finalized. If implemented, this rule will place greater emphasis on long-term fitness management across all formats.