Is BCCI, the world’s wealthiest sports body, planning a massive change to its central contracts and pay structure?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently scrapped the A+ category from its central contracts, citing a lack of eligible players. However, sources indicate the board may reconsider the valuation of existing contract grades to ensure consistent performers do not face pay cuts compared to previous years.

Jasprit Bumrah Among Key Concerns
At the centre of the discussion is India’s leading fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, who had been part of the A+ category since its introduction in the 2018–19 season. Reports suggest the board has not yet officially disclosed the value of contracts for this season.


Under the earlier structure, A+ players earned ₹7 crore annually, while Grade A, B, and C players received ₹5 crore, ₹3 crore, and ₹1 crore respectively. This year, however, the BCCI announced the retainership list without specifying the contract values, and players are yet to receive official communication regarding their earnings.

The A+ category was reserved for players who were regulars across all three formats and ranked in the top 10 globally in at least one format. Following the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from two formats, along with Ravindra Jadeja stepping away from T20Is, Bumrah was the only player left meeting these criteria.

Bumrah Placed in Grade A Despite Consistency
The controversy arises as Bumrah, despite maintaining his place across all formats, has been moved to Grade A by default. Currently, only Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja are included in Grade A.

Another player under scrutiny is India’s T20I vice-captain Axar Patel, who has been a key performer in both T20Is and ODIs during the 2024–25 season. Despite his contributions, Axar has been placed in Grade C, which was previously valued at ₹1 crore.

Interestingly, Axar was ranked world No. 11 among T20I all-rounders in 2025 and played a significant role in India’s success. Based on the criteria, he meets at least two conditions required for a higher grade, making him eligible for either Grade A or Grade B. Even with revised guidelines in recent years, a Grade B contract appears justified, raising questions about whether the BCCI has altered its criteria again.

Criteria for Contract Grades
To qualify for a Grade A contract, a player must meet any two of the following four conditions:

• Representation in any two formats
• Automatic selection in the playing XI
• Ranking within the top 15 in world rankings
• Automatic selection in the Test team with at least 40 matches

For Grade B, players must meet any two of these criteria:

• Participation in two formats
• Regular selection in the team
• Ranking within the top 20 globally
• Automatic selection in the Test side with 60 or more matches

Several Players Demoted to Grade B

Apart from Bumrah and Axar, players like KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, and Rishabh Pant have been downgraded from Grade A to Grade B.

Rahul has remained consistent in Tests and ODIs, while Siraj and Pant delivered strong performances during the England Test tour. Pandya has also been a crucial part of India’s ODI and T20I squads.

Injury Factor Still Considered

Historically, the BCCI has taken injuries into account and ensured that players are not penalised for time away from the game due to fitness issues. It remains to be seen whether similar considerations will influence the revised contract structure this year.

[With TOI inputs]