Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja's A+ BCCI Contracts at Risk? Shreyas Iyer Likely to Make a Comeback

With the Indian men’s cricket team currently preparing for the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, the BCCI is closely watching the result of the title match for several reasons, including yearly central contracts. This time, there has been a delay in announcing the contracts, which were made public on February 28 last year.

According to The Times of India, the delay occurred because the board wants to review the players' performances in the Champions Trophy before giving out the contracts. Also, the BCCI could think of modifying the A+ category, which has four players at present: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja.

This highest category is reserved for the top performers in all three formats. But since Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja retired from T20Is after last year's World Cup and after a poor Test season where India failed to reach the World Test Championship final, their contracts are now being reviewed. A good performance in the Champions Trophy would play in their favor.

"The board will wait for Rohit’s decision after the Champions Trophy. If he chooses to retire, then they will decide on the next steps. It's important to note that he won the T20 World Cup in July and has also led well in the Champions Trophy," quoted a source in TOI.

Last year, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan lost their central contracts as the BCCI took a firm stand against players skipping domestic cricket. Although Ishan hasn’t played international cricket since November 2023, Iyer remains a key part of India’s ODI team and will likely get a contract again this time around. Last year, a total of 30 players were given central contracts, six in Grade A, five in Grade B, and 15 in Grade C. Additionally, selectors awarded fast-bowling contracts to five players: Akash Deep, Yash Dayal, Umran Malik, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and V Kaverappa.

BCCI Central Contracts: List of Player Grades and Categories