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this Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing a major overhaul of its annual central contracting system, a move that could change the way India’s biggest cricket stars are classified and paid. The board is reportedly considering discontinuing the Elite A+ level altogether, a change that will have a direct impact on senior players such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
If the proposal is approved, Kohli and Rohit are expected to be placed in the B category under the new structure, reflecting their current status as players active in only one international format.
Proposed restructuring of BCCI central contract
The proposed reorganization was recommended by the national selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar. The final decision is expected to be taken after discussions at the upcoming apex council meeting, where the BCCI will also outline a revised financial framework to govern the new contract system.
Currently, the central contract is divided into four tiers: A+, A, B and C, and operates independently of match fees. The existing system values A+ grade at Rs 7 crore per annum, A grade at Rs 5 crore per annum, B grade at Rs 3 crore per annum and C grade at Rs 1 crore per annum.
Why cancel the A+ category?
Under the new proposals, the A+ category would be removed entirely, leaving just three grades: A, B and C. While the revised pay structure has yet to be officially revealed, the most notable change is the removal of the premium A+ tier designed for players who have contributed across all three formats.
In the central contract list for the 2024-25 season announced in April 2025, Kohli and Rohit and Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah. However, with Kohli and Rohit now focusing solely on ODIs, they no longer meet the eligibility criteria set for the top order.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia publicly spelled out the reasons behind the proposed changes, stressing that the decision was purely based on cricketing considerations and not financial disputes or personal differences.
“The plan will be underway soon. We are removing a category as players eligible for the A+ category will now only play in one of the three formats. The eligibility criteria we have set for players in the A+ category has not been met.” Saikia told Sportsstar.
He further clarified that the adjustment should not be seen as a relegation or a sign of discord between the players and the board.
Saikia stressed that there was no tension between the BCCI and its senior stars and reiterated that the changes reflected the changing nature of international cricket and players’ workloads.
“Some players at the A+ level have decided not to play in all three formats. Therefore, there are not enough players remaining to qualify and meet the eligibility criteria. Players in the single format will not be eligible to play in the A+, so that’s why we have to take the call. No stomach ache,” he explained.
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The move aims to encourage young players to excel in all formats
One of the key objectives of simplifying the contract structure is to incentivize consistent players in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. By simplifying the categories, the BCCI wants to ensure that cricketers dealing with the heaviest international schedule receive the highest financial rewards.
The revised system is also expected to incentivize young players to establish themselves across the three formats, with pay more closely aligned with workload and availability rather than just reputation.
