The Board of Control for Cricket in India is preparing to announce the BCCI Central Contract 2026 list with significant policy modifications.
The revised contract system represents a shift from traditional seniority-based grading to performance and availability metrics.
The new structure evaluates players based on format participation, workload management, and leadership roles.
This marks a departure from the previous model, where legacy and cross-format reputation often determined contract placement.
The BCCI Central Contract 2026 awaits final approval from the Apex Council.
For detailed salary information, check our article on “Indian Cricket Players Salaries 2026 for Grade A+, A, B & C Players” to understand the financial structure.
BCCI Central Contract 2026 List
The announcement is expected soon, introducing a system aligned with modern team planning requirements and resource allocation principles.
Major Highlights of BCCI Central Contract 2026
The BCCI Central Contract 2026 List introduces the following structural changes:
- Grade A+ category likely to be discontinued or restructured
- Contract tiers to be determined by the number of formats played
- Workload management and fitness compliance to influence grading
- Leadership responsibilities carry a higher weightage in the evaluation
- Format-specific availability to replace overall career achievement metrics
- Apex Council approval required before official announcement
- Revised salary structure aligned with the format participation rates
- Performance review cycle to be shortened for mid-term adjustments
Rohit & Virat Demoted, but Why?
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to see grade changes due to revised eligibility criteria.
Both players currently participate in only one format (ODIs) after stepping away from Test and T20I cricket.
The proposed contract structure uses format participation as a primary grading factor.
Players active in multiple formats receive higher contract tiers, while single-format specialists are placed accordingly.
This downgrade is not performance-related but policy-driven. The system prioritizes current availability over past contributions.
Players with limited format participation automatically fall into lower contract brackets under the revised evaluation framework.
The change reflects BCCI’s shift toward objective, criteria-based grading rather than reputation-based placements.
This ensures contract alignment with actual playing commitments and team planning needs.
Shubman Gill Expected to Get Top Contract in BCCI Central Contract 2026
Shubman Gill is expected to receive top contract placement due to structural compliance factors.
He currently serves as captain in two formats (ODI and Test), meeting leadership criteria requirements.
Gill’s multi-format availability satisfies the revised grading benchmarks.
He plays across formats and maintains consistent fitness standards, fulfilling key eligibility parameters.
His placement at the top tier is a structural outcome of the new system.
Leadership roles combined with format coverage automatically position him in the highest contract bracket under the revised framework.
The system rewards players who contribute across multiple formats while holding leadership responsibilities.
Gill’s profile aligns with these criteria, making his top-tier placement a policy-driven result.
Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah Expected to Remain in Upper Brackets
Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to retain upper contract positions based on skill scarcity and match impact metrics.
Jadeja provides all-round capabilities across formats, a combination with limited replacement options.
Bumrah’s retention reflects the premium placed on pace bowling resources.
His workload is strategically managed across formats, maintaining his value within the system.
Both players fulfill the revised criteria through format participation and specialized skill offerings.
Their positions remain secure due to alignment with the new evaluation parameters.
Ishan Kishan Likely to Return to Central Contracts
Ishan Kishan is expected to return to the BCCI Central Contract 2026 List following renewed selection activity.
His previous absence was linked to availability gaps and selection consistency issues.
Recent domestic performances and selection consideration have restored his contract eligibility.
The system allows re-entry for players who meet participation and availability benchmarks.
Kishan is likely to be placed in Grade B based on current format involvement and role definition.
His return demonstrates the system’s flexibility in accommodating players who regain eligibility status.
Expected BCCI Central Contract Structure (2026)
| Contract Grade | Eligibility Criteria | Player Profile Type |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | Multi-format participation, leadership roles, and high availability | Core team players and captains |
| Grade B | Single or dual-format participation, regular selection | Format specialists and senior contributors |
| Grade C | Limited format exposure, emerging selection status | Development players and newcomers |
Final placements will be confirmed following Apex Council approval and official policy implementation.
BCCI Contract List (2024–25) – Team India (Senior Men)
| Grade | Player | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A+ | Rohit Sharma | Batter |
| Virat Kohli | Batter | |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler | |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-Rounder | |
| Grade A | Mohammed Siraj | Bowler |
| KL Rahul | Wicketkeeper-Batter | |
| Shubman Gill | Batter | |
| Hardik Pandya | All-Rounder | |
| Rishabh Pant | Wicketkeeper-Batter | |
| Mohammed Shami | Bowler | |
| Grade B | Suryakumar Yadav | Batter |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler | |
| Axar Patel | Bowler | |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batter | |
| Shreyas Iyer | Batter | |
| Grade C | Rinku Singh | Batter |
| Tilak Varma | Batter | |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Batter | |
| Shivam Dube | All-Rounder | |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Bowler | |
| Washington Sundar | All-Rounder | |
| Mukesh Kumar | Bowler | |
| Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper-Batter | |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler | |
| Prasidh Krishna | Bowler | |
| Rajat Patidar | Batter | |
| Dhruv Jurel | Wicketkeeper-Batter | |
| Sarfaraz Khan | Batter | |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-Rounder | |
| Ishan Kishan | Wicketkeeper-Batter | |
| Abhishek Sharma | Batter | |
| Akash Deep | Bowler | |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | Bowler | |
| Harshit Rana | Bowler |
Possible Changes Beyond Player Contracts
The BCCI is also reviewing compensation structures for domestic cricket officials.
A proposal to increase match fees for domestic umpires and referees is under consideration.
This reform addresses resource allocation concerns within India’s domestic cricket infrastructure.
Fair compensation for officials supports the overall quality and integrity of domestic competitions.
These structural changes complement the player contract revisions, reflecting a broader organizational review process.
BCCI Central Contract 2026 Announcement Date
The contract list is expected to be announced following the Apex Council approval.
The release window falls within the next few days, subject to completion of the approval process.
No fixed announcement date has been confirmed.
The timeline depends on policy review completion and administrative clearances.
Conclusion:
The BCCI Central Contract 2026 list represents a systematic policy transition.
Key structural elements include:
- Format participation replaces seniority as the primary grading criterion
- Leadership roles receive increased weightage in contract allocation
- Workload management and fitness compliance become evaluation factors
- Objective criteria reduce subjective assessment in player grading
This system-driven approach ensures accountability and alignment with team planning objectives.
The revised structure supports long-term resource management and performance-based recognition.
Contract placements now reflect current contribution levels rather than historical achievements.
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