The Board of Control for Cricket in India is reportedly considering significant changes to its central contracts structure following recommendations from the Ajit Agarkar led selection committee. Among the key proposals is the possible removal of the A Plus category, the highest tier in the BCCI annual retainers system. This category currently includes some of India’s most senior and high profile cricketers, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah.
The suggested move comes amid a wider review of player performances and the evolving needs of Indian cricket across formats. According to reports, the selection committee has discussed streamlining the contract system to better align financial incentives with current performance, fitness, and availability rather than reputation alone. While no final decision has been announced, the proposal has generated significant discussion within the cricketing ecosystem.
The A Plus category was introduced to recognise players who consistently feature across all formats and are considered indispensable to the national team. Players in this bracket receive the highest annual retainer. Removing this category would mean restructuring the contracts into fewer tiers, potentially placing all senior players under the A category or adopting a more performance driven model.
The timing of the review is notable, as Indian cricket is currently navigating a transition phase. Several senior players have faced scrutiny following inconsistent performances in recent international series. At the same time, younger players are pushing for greater responsibility and long term roles across formats. The selection panel is understood to be keen on ensuring that the contract system reflects this changing landscape.
If implemented, the proposed changes could have financial implications for top players, with a potential reduction in retainers compared to the current A Plus structure. However, officials are said to be mindful of balancing accountability with respect for experience, particularly for players who have contributed significantly to Indian cricket over the years.
The BCCI central contracts are typically reviewed annually, taking into account factors such as match participation, fitness standards, disciplinary record, and performance. While the selectors provide recommendations, the final decision rests with the BCCI leadership. Any modification to the contract categories would be announced officially once approved by the board.
At present, there has been no confirmation from the BCCI or the players involved regarding the proposed changes. Senior cricketers continue to be part of the national setup, with upcoming international assignments expected to play a role in shaping future contract decisions.
The potential removal of the A Plus category highlights the board’s intent to adopt a more dynamic and performance oriented approach. It also reflects the increasing emphasis on workload management, format specific roles, and long term team planning as India prepares for major international tournaments.
Until an official announcement is made, the proposal remains under consideration. However, the development signals that even the most established players may be subject to closer evaluation as Indian cricket looks to evolve in a competitive global environment.
