BCCI Plans Major Changes to Central Contract System Ahead of Apex Council Meeting

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is poised to make significant changes to its central contract system, potentially scrapping the A+ category. This overhaul, led by the selection committee, aims to simplify player tiers and focus on performance rather than seniority. With key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli facing demotions, the upcoming apex council meeting will determine the future of the contract structure. The BCCI's decision could reshape how players are compensated, reflecting their current contributions to the team.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 20, 2026, 15:51 IST

BCCI's Upcoming Overhaul of Central Contracts

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to implement significant changes to its central contract framework in an upcoming apex council meeting, which is anticipated to occur shortly. Mithun Manhas, who took over as BCCI president in September 2025, is expected to preside over this meeting.

Current Contract Structure

Presently, the BCCI's central contract system is divided into four categories: A+, A, B, and C. The A+ tier, which is the highest, is designated for top all-format players and offers an annual retainer of approximately INR 7 crore. Players in the A category receive INR 5 crore annually, while the B category earns INR 3 crore, and the entry-level C category provides INR 1 crore.

Performance-Based Categorization

Players are assigned to these categories based on their performance, consistency across formats, seniority, and contributions to the national team. The A+ category is specifically reserved for the most accomplished and experienced all-format cricketers.

Selectors Propose Elimination of A+ Category

In advance of the apex council meeting, the BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has suggested that the A+ category be eliminated, leaving only three categories: A, B, and C. This A+ category was introduced during the 2017-18 season to acknowledge elite Indian cricketers with a premium pay tier, including notable players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Implications of the Proposed Changes

Since its inception, the A+ category has been the highest tier, followed by A, B, and C, with each subsequent category offering lower annual retainers based on player performance. The BCCI is now considering discontinuing the A+ tier altogether.

BCCI Central Contract Update 2026: Removal of Grade A+ (₹7 Crore). The new structure will likely consist of only three tiers: Grade A, B, and C. Demotion for Senior Players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli...

Reasons Behind the Potential Removal of A+ Category

The selection committee's recommendation awaits BCCI approval, as the board must evaluate the proposal thoroughly. However, there is a strong possibility that the A+ category will be scrapped to simplify the contract structure, promoting a more equitable pay system based on performance rather than seniority or past achievements.

The current Indian squad lacks 'all-format' icons due to the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from T20Is and Tests, making it challenging to justify a separate A+ tier. Currently, only Jasprit Bumrah qualifies as an all-format player in this premium pay tier.

Focus on Young Talent and Domestic Cricket

The selection committee is reportedly aiming for a generational shift by promoting younger players who consistently perform across all formats. This aligns the central contract structure with the current makeup of the national team. Eliminating the A+ category could help the BCCI streamline pay tiers, reduce the elite pay gap, and avoid rewarding players who no longer meet all-format criteria.

Moreover, selectors are advocating for players committed to participating in domestic cricket, which is a requirement for all contracted Indian cricketers. Past instances, such as Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan missing domestic tournaments in 2024, resulted in the loss of their central contracts.

Potential Demotions for Senior Players

Should the BCCI endorse the selection committee's recommendation, the central contract system will consist of three tiers: A, B, and C. Veteran players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are likely to be demoted from A+ to B, reflecting their reduced roles in all formats as they focus solely on ODIs.

This change would result in a pay cut of INR 4 crore, with both players receiving INR 3 crore annually in the B category instead of the INR 7 crore from the A+ tier. Ravindra Jadeja may also face a similar demotion as he now plays only Tests and ODIs.

Future of the Central Contract Structure

Jasprit Bumrah is expected to maintain his position in the top tier, while Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is likely to join him in the A category. The pay structure is expected to remain unchanged, with Bumrah and Gill continuing to earn INR 5 crore annually in the A category, while players in the B category, including Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja, will receive INR 3 crore, and C category players will retain INR 1 crore.

The final decision regarding the removal of the A+ category and the reassignment of senior players will be made during the apex council meeting, where the revised central contract structure will be officially announced.