Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing a significant revamp of its annual central contract system, a move that could change the way India classifies and compensates its biggest cricket stars. According to reports, the board is considering scrapping the elite grade A+ bracket altogether, a change that will directly impact senior players like Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma.
If the proposal is approved, both Kohli and Rohit are expected to be placed in Grade B under the new structure, reflecting their current status as players active in only one international format.
Proposed restructuring of BCCI central contract
The proposed restructuring has been recommended by the Ajit Agarkar-led National Selection Committee. The final decision is expected to be taken after discussions in the upcoming Apex Council meeting, where the BCCI will also outline the revised financial framework that will govern the new contract system.
Currently, central contracts are divided into four tiers – A+, A, B and C – which operate independently of match fees. In the current system, Grade A+ is worth ₹7 crore annually, Grade A is worth ₹5 crore, Grade B is worth ₹3 crore and Grade C is worth ₹1 crore.
Why is A+ category set to be removed?
Under the new proposal, the A+ category will be removed entirely, leaving only three grades: A, B, and C. While the revised pay structure has not been officially revealed yet, the most notable change will be the elimination of the premium A+ tier which was designed for players who contribute in all three formats.
In the 2024-25 central contract list announced in April 2025, Kohli and Rohit were part of the A+ bracket Ravindra Jadeja And Jasprit Bumrah. However, with Kohli and Rohit now focusing exclusively on ODIs, they no longer meet the eligibility criteria set for the top level.
BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia has publicly addressed the reasoning behind the proposed changes, and has stressed that the decision is based solely on cricketing considerations rather than financial disputes or personal differences.
“The plan will move forward very soon. We are removing one category because players who were eligible for the A-Plus category are now playing in only one of the three formats. The criteria we have set for a player to qualify for A-Plus are not being met.” Saikia told Sportstar.
He further clarified that the adjustment should not be seen as a downgrade or a sign of discord between the players and the board.
Saikia insisted that there is no tension between the BCCI and its senior stars, reiterating that the changes reflect the changing nature of international cricket and the workload of players.
“Some players who were in that A+ bracket have decided not to play in all three formats. Hence, there are not enough players left to qualify and meet the eligibility criteria. A player in one format will not be eligible for A+, so we had to take this decision. There is no resentment.” he explained.
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A step to encourage excellence in all formats among young players
One of the major objectives behind simplifying the contract structure is to encourage players who consistently play in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. By streamlining the categories, the BCCI hopes to ensure that cricketers handling the heaviest international schedules receive the highest financial rewards.
The revised system is also expected to motivate young players to establish themselves in all three formats, aligning remuneration more with workload and availability rather than just prestige.
