Why is BCCI considering demoting Kohli and Rohit?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up for a major overhaul of its 2025 central contract structure, and two of India’s biggest icons — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — may face the most notable downgrade. As per internal discussions, both veterans could be shifted from Grade A+ (₹7 crore) to Grade A (₹5 crore), effectively meaning a ₹2 crore annual pay reduction each. While nothing is official yet, the development signals a bold shift in how the BCCI plans to align contracts with current format participation. So Let’s take a look at Why is BCCI considering demoting Kohli and Rohit.

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Why Kohli & Rohit Might Be Demoted

The BCCI has recently refreshed its eligibility criteria for the elite Grade A+ bracket — a category typically limited to players active across all three formats.
However:

  • Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from T20Is in 2024.

  • Both reportedly stepped away from Test cricket in early 2025.

With ODI cricket being their only active format now, the BCCI’s revised rules naturally place them outside the A+ category. The board is said to be applying these guidelines uniformly without exception, an approach designed to emphasize merit, availability, and current contribution.

Rise of the New Leadership Group

While two legends may be moved down a tier, several high-performing names are expected to be promoted:

Likely A+ Promotions

  • Shubman Gill – India’s new all-format leader (Tests & ODIs)

  • Ravindra Jadeja – Recently appointed as Test vice-captain

  • Jasprit Bumrah – India’s pace spearhead and multi-format asset

These names reflect the BCCI’s intent to reward active participation, longevity, and the responsibility players hold in team structure.

Other Key Updates Expected in the AGM

The 31st BCCI Annual General Meeting scheduled for December 22 (online) will also deliberate on:

  • Revised pay slabs for umpires and match referees

  • Digital property upgrades

  • Operational resets under the newly appointed office bearers, including President Mithun Manhas and Secretary Devajit Saikia

This will be the first AGM since the board reshuffle in September, making it a crucial meeting for Indian cricket governance.

What This Means for Indian Cricket

This potential demotion doesn’t question Kohli or Rohit’s legacy; instead, it reflects a system moving toward performance-aligned, format-relevant contracts.
With India heading into another cycle of World Cups and ICC events, the BCCI aims to ensure its financial structure rewards players who shoulder the most workload in the current scenario.

FAQs

1. Why is BCCI considering demoting Kohli and Rohit?

Because the new A+ criteria require participation in all three formats, and both have retired from T20Is and Tests.

2. Will they still be in the central contract list?

Yes, but likely in Grade A instead of A+.

3. Who is likely to get A+?

Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah are the leading contenders.

4. Is the pay cut final?

No. The official announcement will be made after the AGM on December 22.

5. Does this affect team selection?

No. Contracts are financial classifications and do not influence selection decisions.

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