BCCI’s 2025-26 The announcement of Central Contract on February 9, 2026 has set a new standard for rewarding performance jemima rodrigues Claiming his rightful place among India’s elite. While the roster celebrates the heroics of India’s maiden World Cup title, it also sends a strict message regarding fitness and availability, as seen in the high-profile omission of several established stars.
Jemimah Rodrigues joins Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana in elite Grade A tier
Rodrigues has officially moved up to Grade A and joins the top echelon of Indian cricket along with captain Harmanpreet Kaurvice captain Smriti Mandhana and star all-rounder Deepti Sharma. This promotion is a direct reward for his spectacular turnaround in form, which laid the foundation for India’s success one day world cup 2025 run.
Rodrigues was the strategic heartbeat of the tournament, most notably scoring a century in the semi-final which ousted all the favourites, Australia. By increasing him to the Rs 50 lakh bracket, the BCCI has recognized his transformation into a senior leader and a big-match player along with Harmanpreet and Smriti. His promotion has led to a sweeping change in the team hierarchy, where consistent impact on the world stage, particularly his 300+ tournament runs, has been prioritized over historical seniority.
Shreyanka Patil and Pooja Vastrakar are in danger of being left out of BCCI central contract 2025-26
Perhaps the most controversial move of the cycle, the Star Off Spinner Shreyanka Patil and pace-bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar has been completely removed from the central contract list. Both had Grade C retainers last year, but spent a combined nearly 14 months in rehabilitation after suffering multiple injuries.
Despite Patil’s recent bravery WPLThe BCCI has chosen a cautious ‘fitness-first’ approach. This policy demonstrated a new era of accountability, where players are expected to meet minimum match-count criteria, typically 10 T20Is or 8 ODIs, to automatically qualify for a retainer. While Patil has already been recalled for the upcoming Australia series, his omission serves as a reminder that the board is prioritizing continued availability.
7 new players including Pratika Raval get first BCCI contract
The 2025-26 cycle marks a generational change, with seven players earning their first central contracts following India’s global success. The list is dominated by World Cup breakout stars and U19 graduates who have quickly made their way into the senior setup.
- Pratika Rawal and Kranti Gaur: Secure Grade B and C spots respectively after Raval’s 300 runs and Goud’s match-winning bowling in the World Cup England.
- Mr Charani: The ‘mystery spinner’ enters Grade C after finishing as India’s second-highest wicket-taker during the World Cup.
- G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma: U19 T20 World Cup-The winning pair has been rewarded for their successful senior international debut in late 2025.
- Kashvi Gautam and Tejal Hassabnis: Both have been placed in Grade C as the BCCI looks to build a wider developmental pool.
Core retainers retain their place in grades B and C
Apart from the new promotions and omissions, the BCCI has maintained a core group of ‘strategic regulars’ who provide the backbone of the team. Renuka Singh Thakur, Shafali Verma And Richa Ghosh All have retained their Grade B status and have served as the primary power-hitters and pace spearheads for the team. In Grade C, many consistently good performers prefer Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy And Amanjot Kaur Continue your stay, ensuring depth across all formats.
Remarkably, Yastika Bhatia He has been retained in Grade C despite ongoing knee surgery rehabilitation, indicating the board’s long-term confidence in his wicket-keeping-batting abilities. The group represents the bridge between experienced Grade A stars and new U19 graduates, creating a 21-man pool that will lead IndiaDefend your title in 2026.
Full BCCI Women’s Central Contract 2025-26
| Category | Annual Retainer (INR) | player |
|---|---|---|
| grade A | 50 lakhs | Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma |
| grade B | 30 million | Renuka Thakur, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Pratika Rawal, Kranti Gaur, Uma Chhetri, Arundhati Reddy |
| grade c | 10 lakhs | Sri Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Harleen Deol, Kashvi Gautam, G Kamalini, Vaishnavi Sharma, Tejal Hasbnis |
Also read: From MVP to Purple Cap: Complete list of WPL 2026 award winners and prize money
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
