NEW DELHI: The BCCI's Annual Central Contracts system is likely to witness a major shake-up for the 2025-26 season following changes proposed by the national selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar, according to the Times of India.
The legendary duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could bear the brunt if the proposed changes are accepted, as the committee has suggested scrapping the Grade A+ category, which was introduced in 2018, sourced told TOI.
The current policy consists of four brackets: A+, A, B, and C. Players in the A+ category are paid Rs 7 crore annually, Rs 5 crore in A, Rs 3 crore in B, and Rs 1 crore in C.
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For the 2025-26 cycle, the BCCI is expected to streamline its central contracts, reducing the current four-tier system to just three categories: A, B, and C.
In the previous cycle, only four players - Rohit, Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja - were part of the exclusive A+ category. However, report suggests that Bumrah and other A-category players are unlikely to face any reduction in their pay.
As Rohit and Virat just play one format, there is speculation that they could be moved to the B category, which currently carries an annual retainer of Rs 3 crore. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah and India's Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill are expected to remain in the top-paying A category.
"This suggestion will be discussed in the BCCI's next apex council meeting," a source told TOI.
