BCCI official explains why Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma were demoted in central contracts

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to make major changes to the BCCI’s contract structure by eliminating the A+ category which was implemented in 2018. Currently, players in the A+ category earn ₹7 crore, while players in A category earn ₹5 crore, B category  ₹3 crore and C category ₹1 crore. However, with the retention contracts for the 2025–26 season, it is likely that the BCCI will return to its previous 3-tiered system of A, B and C.

Four senior players were placed in the A+ category in the last contract cycle: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. The players in this elite A+ category are considered the most valuable all-format/ senior performers in India at this point in time. The revision to the BCCI’s grading of contracts is an indication that the BCCI intends to better align grades with actual workloads, participation in formats of play and availability within the International Cricket Council (ICC) calendar rather than solely legacy status or contributions made historically.

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Among the four previously highest-paid players, Jasprit Bumrah is now the only cricketer actively featuring in all three formats for India. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are currently active only in ODIs, having stepped away from T20 internationals. Ravindra Jadeja, meanwhile, continues to be part of India’s Test and ODI setup but has also retired from T20Is. These changes in format commitments are understood to be a key factor influencing the revised contract structure.

No paycut for Bumrah and other A contract holders

The central contracts are expected to be approved at the upcoming Apex Council meeting, with a BCCI official clarifying that players like Jasprit Bumrah will not face any salary reduction, given his role as India’s premier all-format fast bowler despite periodic workload-related absences. Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is also set to be placed in the A category. Meanwhile, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma now active in only one format, they are likely to be moved to the B category, which could see a revised pay structure. Other all-format regulars include Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar.

"This is being done to simplify the contract structure. There are not many players who are part of all formats. Someone like Bumrah, who remains one of the few all format players, will continue to be placed in the highest category and there would be no paycut," the official said.