Why did BCCI central contracts for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma?
Indian superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—who recently secured the top two spots in ICC ODI batting rankings—may face major changes in their BCCI central contracts, according to fresh reports. With both legends retiring from Tests and T20Is, their availability has reduced to only ODIs, sparking discussions within the board ahead of the BCCI AGM on December 22. So let’s have a look at BCCI central contracts for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
What Are BCCI’s Annual Player Contracts?
BCCI’s central contract system is designed to reward performance, commitment, and participation, especially in Test cricket. The contracts ensure professionalism and maintain competitive standards in the national team.
Players are divided into four categories:
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Grade A+ – ₹7 Cr (Elite all-format players)
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Grade A – ₹5 Cr
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Grade B – ₹3 Cr
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Grade C – ₹1 Cr
Currently, the A+ category includes:
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Virat Kohli
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Rohit Sharma
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Jasprit Bumrah
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Ravindra Jadeja
But with Rohit and Kohli now only playing ODIs, their status in this premier bracket is under review.
How Does BCCI Decide Contract Grades?
1. Format Priority & Participation
Test cricket holds top priority.
Players who consistently feature in multiple formats—particularly Tests—are more likely to earn higher grades.
The A+ category is strictly for all-format regulars.
2. Minimum Match Criteria, Consistency & Impact
Players must meet minimum match requirements to be eligible:
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3 Tests or
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8 ODIs or
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10 T20Is
Performance, fitness, and consistent contributions during the cycle significantly affect grading. However, exceptions exist for senior players during form or injury dips.
3. Commitment to Domestic Cricket
BCCI has become stricter about domestic participation.
Recent examples—Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer—were dropped for skipping domestic games.
A player not honoring domestic duties may lose out on contract upgrades.
Why Kohli and Rohit May Be Affected
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Both have retired from Tests and T20Is, reducing their format availability.
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BCCI emphasizes Test participation for Grade A+.
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With the next contract cycle approaching, their eligibility is now questioned.
However, their:
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legendary status,
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massive fan base,
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and continued ODI excellence
might still help them retain the A+ category.
What to Expect at BCCI AGM 2025?
The December 22 AGM could bring:
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Possible downgrade of Rohit and Kohli from A+ to Grade A
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Shubman Gill’s promotion to A+ (as reports suggest)
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Revised policies on domestic participation
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