The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released the list of centrally contracted players for the 2024–25 season, marking some key inclusions and notable retentions. Among the major headlines are the fresh inclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, and the continued trust in stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom retain their place in the elite A+ category.
The BCCI's central contracts are divided into four categories — A+, A, B, and C — based on players' performances, consistency, and value to the national team across formats.
A+ Category (₹7 crore annually):
Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma
Jasprit Bumrah
These three remain the cornerstone of Indian cricket. Despite growing competition and rotation policies, their performance and influence continue to earn the highest bracket of pay.
Notable Inclusions:
Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, both of whom had temporary gaps in form or injury setbacks, have found their names in the central contracts again. Kishan’s aggressive batting and flexibility across formats, and Iyer’s return to form in ODIs and T20Is, helped them earn contracts — reportedly in Grade B or C.
Ishan’s recent success in IPL and Shreyas’s steady middle-order role have strengthened India’s bench depth heading into major tournaments like the Champions Trophy 2025 and the World Test Championship cycle.
Grade A (₹5 crore):
Includes regular players like:
KL Rahul
Ravindra Jadeja
Mohammed Shami
These players remain pivotal in India’s Test and ODI sides and continue to deliver consistently.
Grade B & C:
These categories include promising youngsters such as:
Shubman Gill
Axar Patel
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Their elevation highlights BCCI’s intent to reward performance and groom future leaders.
Excluded Players:
Some senior players who have not been active in international cricket or faced long-term injuries were omitted. BCCI has made it clear that performance, fitness, and discipline remain non-negotiable.
The contracts are reviewed annually and offer incentives beyond just monetary value — including medical support, travel allowances, and access to BCCI training facilities.
With a packed international calendar ahead, including bilateral series and ICC tournaments, the latest contract list provides insight into the future roadmap of Indian cricket. The blend of youth and experience suggests a smooth transition plan is already in motion.
