Indian Cricket Players Salaries 2026: Grade A+, A, B & C Salary

The Indian cricket players salaries 2026 reflect the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s position as the world’s wealthiest cricket board.

BCCI generates substantial revenue through broadcast rights, sponsorships, and the Indian Premier League.

This financial strength enables higher player compensation than other cricket nations.

BCCI operates a structured salary system for Indian cricketers. The system uses four contract grades ranging from A+ to C.

Each grade carries a specific annual retainer amount. Players receive these retainers separate from match fees.

Format participation determines grade placement significantly. Players competing across multiple formats typically secure higher grades.

Single-format specialists may receive lower-grade assignments. The structure rewards consistency and availability.

Central contracts provide financial stability to Indian cricketers. These contracts run annually and undergo review each season.

The BCCI selection committee evaluates player performance and participation levels. Grade changes occur based on these annual assessments.

Match fees add to base salaries. Players earn separate payments for each international appearance.

Additional income comes from domestic leagues and commercial endorsements. The combined earnings create substantial annual compensation packages.

Indian Cricket Players Salaries 2026

This article explains BCCI’s complete salary structure. We cover contract grades, eligibility criteria, match fees, and additional earnings.

The information helps understand how Indian cricketers receive compensation.

How BCCI Decides Player Salaries?

BCCI uses specific criteria to determine central contract eligibility. Players must meet minimum participation thresholds. These requirements ensure contracts go to active international cricketers.

The eligibility rules apply to the previous year’s participation. Players must complete one of these requirements:

• Minimum 3 Test matches, or
• Minimum 8 ODI matches, or
• Minimum 10 T20I matches

The BCCI selection committee reviews contracts annually. They assess each player’s contribution across formats. Performance, fitness, and availability factor into contract decisions.

Exceptional domestic performances may lead to contract consideration. Players returning from injury receive special evaluation. The committee maintains flexibility for special circumstances.

Grade placements change each season based on performance. Strong showings lead to promotions to higher grades. Reduced participation or form issues may cause demotions. Format retirements affect grade assignments in subsequent seasons.

The annual review process typically occurs in March or April. Men’s contracts are usually announced first. Women’s contracts follow shortly after. The timing allows BCCI to assess the completed cricket season.

BCCI Salary Grades and Annual Retainers

BCCI operates four contract grades for Indian cricketers. Each grade offers a fixed annual salary. These retainers represent base payments before match fees.

• Grade A+ represents the highest contract level. Only elite players who perform consistently across formats reach this grade. The BCCI introduced Grade A+ in March 2018. Currently four players hold this status.
• Grade A includes established international cricketers. These players appear regularly in playing XIs. They contribute significantly in the formats they compete in. Six players currently hold Grade A contracts.
• Grade B covers emerging stars and format specialists. These cricketers show strong potential or excel in specific formats. Five players are currently in Grade B. They receive regular selection opportunities.
• Grade C includes newer international players and occasional selections. Players in this grade build their international careers. Nineteen players currently hold Grade C contracts. They meet minimum participation thresholds.

Match Fee System Explained

The BCCI player salary per match adds to annual retainers. Players earn separate payments for each international appearance. Match fees vary by format based on time commitment.

Players in the playing XI receive full match fees. Squad members not playing receive half the match fee amount. This structure compensates both playing and backup players.

Per-Match Fee Structure

Test matches offer the highest per-match fees. The format demands extended time commitments. Test cricket requires five days of playing time plus preparation.

ODI fees fall between Test and T20I rates. The 50-over format demands moderate time investment. Players compete regularly in ODIs throughout seasons. How much do international cricketers earn per match depends on format participation.

T20I fees represent the lowest per-match payment. These matches require less time commitment than other formats. However, T20I frequency allows substantial annual match fee accumulation.

Indian Cricket Players Salaries 2026: Grade-Wise Breakdown

The BCCI contract list with salary for 2026 includes 34 male cricketers across four grades. The Indian cricket players salary list 2025 formed the basis for 2026 assignments. Grade adjustments occurred based on performance and participation.

Grade A+ Players (INR 7 Crores Annually)

• 1. Rohit Sharma (Debut: 2007)

Rohit Sharma retired from Tests and T20Is after captaining India. He led India to the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Champions Trophy 2025 titles. He currently plays only ODI cricket.

• 2. Virat Kohli (Debut: 2008)

Virat Kohli received a Grade A+ placement in March 2018. The BCCI introduced the A+ tier that year. Kohli maintains this grade through consistent performances.

• 3. Jasprit Bumrah (Debut: 2016)

Jasprit Bumrah leads India’s pace attack. He received Grade A+ in March 2018. Bumrah maintains an elite status through consistent wicket-taking.

• 4. Ravindra Jadeja (Debut: 2009)

Ravindra Jadeja earned a Grade A+ promotion in March 2023. His Border-Gavaskar Trophy performance secured this upgrade. Jadeja retired from T20Is after winning the 2024 World Cup.

Grade A Players (INR 5 Crores Annually)

• 1. Mohammed Siraj (Debut: 2017)

Mohammed Siraj earned promotion from Grade B in March 2024. His ODI and Test performances drove this upgrade. His Asia Cup 2023 final showing contributed to promotion.

• 2. KL Rahul (Debut: 2014)

KL Rahul first reached Grade A in March 2020. He moved to Grade B in 2022-23. Rahul returned to Grade A after regaining form.

• 3. Shubman Gill (Debut: 2020)

Shubman Gill moved from Grade B to Grade A after his 2023 season. He captains India’s Test team. Gill recently received ODI captaincy.

• 4. Hardik Pandya (Debut: 2016)

Hardik Pandya entered Grade A in February 2023. He maintains this grade as a white-ball specialist. Pandya contributes in ODI and T20I formats.

• 5. Mohammed Shami (Debut: 2013)

Mohammed Shami has remained in Grade A since 2018. He finished as the 2023 ODI World Cup leading wicket-taker. Shami returned during the Champions Trophy 2025.

• 6. Rishabh Pant (Debut: 2017)

Rishabh Pant received a Grade A placement in April 2025. He earned promotion from Grade B. Pant replaced Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired in 2024.

Grade B Players (INR 3 Crores Annually)

• 1. Suryakumar Yadav (Debut: 2021)

Suryakumar Yadav captains India’s T20I team. He led India to the Asia Cup victory. Yadav joined Grade B in 2023-24.

• 2. Kuldeep Yadav (Debut: 2017)

Kuldeep Yadav moved from Grade C to Grade B in 2023-24. His performances earned this promotion. He maintains Grade B status.

• 3. Axar Patel (Debut: 2014)

Axar Patel has remained in Grade B since 2023-24. He continues in this grade. Axar contributes regularly across formats.

• 4. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Debut: 2023)

Yashasvi Jaiswal received his first contract directly in Grade B. This placement came for 2023-24. Jaiswal performs consistently as a Test opener.

• 5. Shreyas Iyer (Debut: 2017)

Shreyas Iyer returned to Grade B in 2023-24. He recovered from injury and form issues. Iyer led India’s run-scoring in the Champions Trophy.

Grade C Players (INR 1 Crore Annually)

• 1. Rinku Singh (Debut: 2023) – Entered Grade C in 2023-24, retained in 2024-25 as a limited-overs specialist.
• 2. Tilak Verma (Debut: 2023) – Received Grade C from 2023-24, maintains grade through limited-overs performances.
• 3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Debut: 2021) – Joined Grade C in 2023-24, retained in 2024-25.
• 4. Shivam Dube (Debut: 2019) – Earned Grade C from 2023-24, functions as a white-ball all-rounder.
• 5. Ravi Bishnoi (Debut: 2022) – Received first Grade C contract in 2023-24, T20I spin specialist.
• 6. Washington Sundar (Debut: 2017) – Holds Grade C from 2023-24, spin-bowling all-rounder.
• 7. Mukesh Kumar (Debut: 2023) – Entered Grade C from 2023-24, pace bowler.
• 8. Sanju Samson (Debut: 2015) – Maintains Grade C since 2023-24, wicketkeeper-batter.
• 9. Arshdeep Singh (Debut: 2022) – Joined Grade C in 2023-24, T20I pace specialist.
• 10. Prasidh Krishna (Debut: 2021) – Holds Grade C from 2023-24, limited-overs pacer.
• 11. Rajat Patidar (Debut: 2023) – Entered Grade C from 2023-24, middle-order batter.
• 12. Dhruv Jurel (Debut: 2024) – Qualified for Grade C after two Tests, wicketkeeper-batter.
• 13. Sarfaraz Khan (Debut: 2024) – Earned Grade C after two Tests, middle-order batter.
• 14. Nitish Kumar Reddy (Debut: 2024) – Holds Grade C since 2024-25, all-rounder.
• 15. Ishan Kishan (Debut: 2021) – Returned to Grade C in 2024-25, wicketkeeper-batter.
• 16. Abhishek Sharma (Debut: 2024) – Entered Grade C for 2024-25 after eight T20Is.
• 17. Akash Deep (Debut: 2024) – Received Grade C for 2024-25 after three Tests.
• 18. Varun Chakaravarthy (Debut: 2021) – Returned to Grade C in 2024-25, T20I spinner.
• 19. Harshit Rana (Debut: 2024) – Joined Grade C for 2024-25, pace bowler across formats.

Test Match Incentive Scheme

BCCI introduced a Test Cricket Incentive Scheme. This program encourages consistent Test participation. Players earn bonuses based on Test appearances per season.

The incentive applies separately from match fees. It rewards players for maintaining Test format availability. Both playing and non-playing squad members qualify.

Players appearing in 7+ Tests earn maximum incentives. This structure promotes Test cricket commitment. Non-playing members receive half the playing XI incentive amount.

The scheme adds substantially to annual earnings. A player completing 10 Tests earns INR 4.5 crores in incentives alone. This amount exceeds Grade B annual retainers.

Indian Women’s Cricket Team Salary Structure

Indian women cricketers receive equal match fees as men. The BCCI maintains parity in per-match payments. Women earn identical amounts for Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

Annual retainer contracts for women follow a grading system. The structure mirrors the men’s contract format. However, salary amounts differ from men’s grades. The Indian cricketers’ salary per month for women includes retainers and match fees.

Grade A (INR 50 Lakhs Annually)

• Harmanpreet Kaur
• Smriti Mandhana
• Deepti Sharma

These three players hold the highest women’s contract grade. They lead India’s women’s team. Their consistent performances justify a Grade A placement.

Grade B (INR 30 Lakhs Annually)

• Renuka Thakur
• Jemimah Rodrigues
• Richa Ghosh
• Shafali Verma

Grade B includes established women’s team players. These cricketers appear regularly in playing XIs. They contribute significantly across formats.

Grade C (INR 10 Lakhs Annually)

• Yastika Bhatia
• Radha Yadav
• Shreyanka Patil
• Titas Sadhu
• Arundhati Reddy
• Amanjot Kaur
• Uma Chetry
• Sneh Rana
• Pooja Vastrakar

Grade C covers emerging players and regular squad members. These cricketers receive selection opportunities. They build international careers through consistent performances.

Additional Income Sources for Indian Cricketers

The Indian cricket players salaries per year increase substantially through additional earnings. Players receive income beyond BCCI contracts. These earnings come from domestic leagues and commercial activities.

• Indian Premier League (IPL)

The IPL provides substantial earnings for male cricketers. Player contracts are negotiated independently through auctions. IPL salaries often exceed international contract values. The cricketer’s salary per month during the IPL season increases significantly.

Top players earn several crores through IPL contracts. Retention players receive maximum amounts. Auction purchases also command high prices. The two-month tournament generates substantial income.

• Women’s Premier League (WPL)

The WPL launched in 2023 for women cricketers. It provides additional income opportunities. WPL salaries add to women’s annual earnings. The league operates similarly to IPL.

• Foreign T20 Leagues

Players participate in foreign T20 leagues globally. These leagues offer competitive salaries. Popular leagues include Big Bash, CPL, and ILT20. League participation adds significantly to annual earnings.

• Brand Endorsements

Brand deals provide major income streams. Successful players attract multiple sponsorships. Endorsement values depend on player popularity. Top players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma earn heavily from brands.

Performance and public image drive endorsement opportunities. Players with strong social media presence attract more deals. Endorsement income often exceeds BCCI salaries for star players.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are BCCI’s central contract eligibility criteria?

Players must complete at least 3 Tests, 8 ODIs, or 10 T20Is in the previous year. The BCCI selection committee reviews eligibility annually. Domestic performance and fitness factor into decisions.

• How do grade promotions and demotions work?

Grade placements change annually based on performance. Strong performances lead to promotions. Reduced participation or poor form may cause demotions. The selection committee reviews each player’s contribution.

• Do women cricketers receive equal pay?

Women receive identical per-match fees as men across formats. Their annual retainer contracts use similar grading. However, retainer amounts differ from men’s grades.

• How much do players earn per Test match?

Playing XI members earn INR 15 lakhs per Test. Non-playing squad members receive INR 7.5 lakhs. Test incentives add INR 30-45 lakhs for multiple Test appearances.

• What is the highest BCCI contract grade?

Grade A+ is the highest contract level paying INR 7 Crores annually. Currently, four players hold Grade A+ contracts. They are Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja.

• How are IPL salaries separate from BCCI contracts?

IPL contracts are negotiated independently through auctions. BCCI contracts cover only international cricket. IPL income adds to annual earnings separately.

Conclusion

The Indian cricket players salaries 2026 demonstrate BCCI’s financial strength. The grading system provides structured compensation across four categories. Players earn annual retainers from INR 1 Crore to INR 7 Crores.

Match fees supplement annual contracts significantly. Test matches offer the highest per-match payments. The Test incentive scheme rewards format commitment. Playing XI members earn double what non-playing members.

Additional income sources boost total earnings substantially. IPL and WPL contracts provide major revenue. Brand endorsements create additional income streams. These combined earnings generate substantial annual compensation.

Women cricketers receive equal match fees to men. Their annual retainers follow similar grading structures. BCCI maintains salary parity in per-match payments.

Grade placements change annually based on performance. Players move between grades each season. Consistent performances determine contract levels. The system rewards ongoing contributions to Indian cricket.

Central contracts provide financial security to cricketers. The structure allows players to focus on international performances. BCCI’s payment system reflects India’s dominant position in world cricket economics.

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