Table of Contents
- The End of an Era: BCCI’s A+ Category Under Threat
- Why is the BCCI Scrapping the A+ Category?
- Who Gets Hit Hardest? The Kohli-Sharma Conundrum
- Bumrah: The New King of the BCCI Central Contracts
- Historical Context and Financial Impact
- What This Means for the Future of Indian Cricket
- Conclusion
- Sources
The End of an Era: BCCI’s A+ Category Under Threat
In a move that could redefine the pecking order of Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly set to eliminate the prestigious A+ category from its BCCI central contracts for the 2025-26 season. This isn’t just bureaucratic reshuffling; it’s a seismic shift that directly targets the financial standing of the game’s biggest stars.
For years, the A+ grade has been the ultimate symbol of elite status, reserved for the absolute crème de la crème of the national team. Now, with the axe seemingly falling on this top tier, a massive question mark hangs over the future contracts of modern greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma .
Why is the BCCI Scrapping the A+ Category?
The decision, reportedly driven by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, appears to be a strategic pivot towards a performance-based model that rewards current form and availability over past legacy . The BCCI’s plan is to streamline the system into a simpler three-tier structure: Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C .
This overhaul suggests a clear message from the board: the era of automatic top-tier retainers for veterans is ending. The focus is shifting to a new generation of players who are consistently available and delivering match-winning performances across all formats. It’s a bold, if controversial, step towards aligning financial rewards with on-field contributions in the present, not the past.
Who Gets Hit Hardest? The Kohli-Sharma Conundrum
The most immediate and high-profile casualties of this proposed change are none other than Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both were part of the exclusive A+ club for the 2024-25 season, which came with an annual retainer of a cool ₹7 crore .
However, their recent international schedules have been selective. While both remain world-class performers—Kohli even reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings in January 2026 —their absence from the Test squad and a more limited white-ball presence has seemingly put their top-tier status at risk.
Reports strongly suggest that without the A+ category, both Kohli and Sharma would be slotted into the Grade A bracket, which carries a ₹5 crore annual retainer—a significant ₹2 crore drop from their current earnings . This move, while financially impactful, is a stark indicator of the BCCI’s new philosophy.
A Question of Legacy vs. Current Contribution
This situation sparks a fierce debate among fans and experts alike. On one hand, Kohli and Sharma’s contributions to Indian cricket are immeasurable. They’ve been the backbone of the team for over a decade. On the other, the BCCI is investing in a future led by players like Jasprit Bumrah, who is available across all formats and is currently the team’s premier match-winner.
Bumrah: The New King of the BCCI Central Contracts
While the old guard faces a demotion, one name stands tall amidst this restructuring: Jasprit Bumrah. Multiple reports confirm that Bumrah will be the sole occupant of the new top tier, effectively making him the highest-graded player under the revised system [[1], [5]].
This is a powerful statement. Bumrah’s consistent excellence, his ability to single-handedly win matches with the ball in any format, and his full commitment to the national team make him the embodiment of the BCCI’s new criteria. His elevation to the undisputed top spot signals a clear transition of leadership and value within the Indian dressing room.
Historical Context and Financial Impact
To understand the magnitude of this change, it’s important to look back. The BCCI introduced central contracts in the early 2000s to provide financial security to its core players. The A+ category was a later addition, created to recognize the unparalleled marketability and performance of a select few superstars .
The current salary structure before the proposed change is as follows:
| Grade | Annual Retainer (INR) |
|---|---|
| A+ | 7 Crore |
| A | 5 Crore |
| B | 3 Crore |
| C | 1 Crore |
[[11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16]]
For players like Kohli and Sharma, a drop to Grade A means a direct loss of ₹2 crore in their annual retainer from the BCCI alone, not counting potential differences in match fees or other benefits tied to their grade. This is a substantial financial hit, but more importantly, it’s a symbolic downgrade in their official standing within the team hierarchy.
What This Means for the Future of Indian Cricket
This decision is far more than a simple pay cut. It’s a cultural reset for Team India. The BCCI is sending a strong message that no player, regardless of their legendary status, is immune to performance-based evaluations. This move could have several ripple effects:
- Increased Competition: Players will be under constant pressure to perform and stay available to maintain their grade.
- Generational Shift: It accelerates the transition of power from the established stars to the next generation, including players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal [[17], [18]].
- Clarity in Roles: A simplified three-tier system may offer clearer benchmarks for player progression and rewards.
For fans, this might be a tough pill to swallow, especially when it concerns beloved icons. However, from a management perspective, it’s a necessary step to ensure the team remains dynamic, competitive, and forward-looking. You can explore more about the evolving team dynamics in our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:team-india-future].
Conclusion
The potential scrapping of the A+ category in the BCCI central contracts is a watershed moment for Indian cricket. It marks the end of an era defined by the automatic elevation of its biggest names and ushers in a new age of meritocracy. While Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may see their official grades—and paychecks—take a hit, their legacy remains untouchable. The real story here is the BCCI’s firm commitment to building a team for the future, with Jasprit Bumrah as its new cornerstone. This bold move will undoubtedly be debated for months to come, but it clearly defines the board’s vision for the next chapter of Indian cricket.
Sources
[1] Times of India. “BCCI set to scrap A+ category from players’ central contracts”.
[4] Various Reports on BCCI Contract Changes.
[5] News18. “Only Bumrah To Retain ‘Top’ Grade Despite Demotion”.
[8] Hindustan Times. “Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma likely to be demoted, BCCI may…”.
[11] ESPNcricinfo. “What is BCCI Central Contract? Salary, Grades, and Perks”.
[18] Cricbuzz. “BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25: Full List Of Players And…”.
[21] ICC. “Kohli storms back to No.1 in ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings”.