Why were Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma moved to Group B in BCCI contracts?

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were moved to Group B due to their retirement from T20Is and Tests respectively, effectively making them one-format players and no longer eligible for the top bracket under the current criteria.

What has happened to the A+ category in BCCI central contracts?

The A+ category in BCCI central contracts has been abolished for the 2025-26 season, as only Jasprit Bumrah is considered an automatic selection across all formats.

Which prominent players were excluded from the BCCI's 2025-26 central contracts?

Prominent players excluded from the BCCI's 2025-26 central contracts include Mohammed Shami, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Mukesh Kumar, and Ishan Kishan.

Home / Sports / BCCI Contracts Shake-Up: Kohli, Rohit Downgraded!

BCCI Contracts Shake-Up: Kohli, Rohit Downgraded!

10 Feb

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Summary

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma moved to Group B, losing top contract status.
The A+ category for central contracts has been abolished by the BCCI.
Several prominent players like Mohammed Shami were excluded from contracts.

BCCI Contracts Shake-Up: Kohli, Rohit Downgraded!

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled its central contracts for the 2025-26 season, marking a significant restructuring of player retainers. Notably, the 'A+' category has been abolished, impacting the hierarchy of player remuneration. Senior figures Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been placed in Group B, a consequence of their reduced multi-format commitments.

These contract changes reflect new criteria based on recent performances and match participation. Shubman Gill, however, has earned a place in Group A, the highest tier alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. The men's contract list has been reduced from 34 to 30 players. Several familiar names, including Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan, Sarfaraz Khan, and Mukesh Kumar, were omitted, signaling a potential shift in selection priorities.

On the women's side, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma have retained their Group A status. Jemimah Rodrigues has been promoted to Group A following her strong performances in the World Cup. Sai Sudharsan is the sole new entrant in the senior men's contract list.