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 the player categories. Senior Indian stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are among those who could be demoted after retiring from the two formats.
Rohit and Virat ended their T20I careers after winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. They announced their retirement from Test cricket within days of each other before the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy. Notably, both the cricketers returned to play in Ranji Trophy matches immediately after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli may be demoted in BCCI’s central contract list
Earlier, senior batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were included in Grade A+ contracts as they were active in all three formats. However, after retiring from Tests and T20Is, both players now play only in ODI cricket, which may lead to a change in their contract status.
According to SportsTalk, 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 with A+ contracts will earn â‚ą7 crore, and Kohli has been part of this elite group since it was introduced in 2018.
Shubman Gill, on the other hand, 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 contracting cycle ran from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Ishan Kishan is sure to remain in BCCI’s central contract
It is expected that the Board of Control for Cricket in India will 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 includes players who will remain important across all formats. Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to retain or secure a place in the elite class due to their leadership roles and consistent involvement.
The new central contracts are likely to be announced in the next few days. Along with player contracts, the board is also set to review the long-pending proposal to increase match fees for domestic umpires and match referees, addressing concerns raised within the domestic cricket circuit.
How does BCCI decide central contract grades?
The BCCI reviews central contract grades every year and the process goes beyond a player’s reputation or past achievements. Recent performance, consistency, fitness and overall impact during the previous season play a key role in deciding whether a player is promoted, retained or demoted.
Participation in the match is also an important factor. Players, including senior cricketers, will have to meet minimum appearance requirements in Tests, ODIs or T20Is to remain eligible for contracts. Playing more matches does not automatically lead to higher grades.
Another major criterion is participation in domestic cricket. When players are not on international duty, the BCCI expects them to participate in tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy. This rule has become quite strict in recent years.
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