The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning a major overhaul of its central contract system. Reports suggest the board may eliminate the top-tier “A+” category altogether. If this happens, veteran players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could be demoted to Grade “B” for the first time in over a decade.
BCCI can take this decision against Rohit and Virat
Both Virat and Rohit have already retired from T20I and Test cricket. The A+ category was typically reserved for players who played all three formats. With players like Jasprit Bumrah now rested for bilateral series, there’s a shortage of senior all-format players.
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The men’s selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, has submitted a new proposal, which is pending approval by the Apex Council. Under the BCCI’s proposed new rules, the current four-tier contract structure could be replaced by just three categories: A, B, and C. Currently, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja, who are in the A+ category, earn an annual salary of ₹7 crore.
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However, with the elimination of this category and senior players playing limited formats, Kohli and Rohit could be placed in Grade B (₹3 crore). Players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are likely to be promoted to Grade A (₹5 crore), while young stars like Rinku Singh and Sanju Samson could join Grade C (₹1 crore). The upcoming Apex Council meeting is expected to reduce the number of categories and significantly increase the retainer amount for each grade.
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This move by the BCCI is being seen as a step towards work management and building a future team. Ravindra Jadeja has also retired from T20Is, and his performance in ODIs is also a topic of discussion. Currently, only young players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana appear close to all three formats, but they are still in their early stages. According to sources, the retainer amount may be significantly increased after the number of categories is reduced, a decision on which will be made at the next Apex Council meeting.
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However, reports suggest that Ravindra Jadeja may be spared. Jadeja continues to play in both Test and ODI formats. The BCCI places a premium on Test cricket. Therefore, placing Jadeja in Grade A+ could send a message to other Test players. Superstar fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah may also remain in this grade. The BCCI may also promote captain Shubman Gill to this grade.
