The BCCI central contracts for the 2024–25 season have been announced, categorizing players into four grades based on their recent performances and contributions to Indian cricket. These contracts not only recognize individual achievements but also set the financial framework for the players’ annual retainers. This article delves into the details of the BCCI central contracts for the 2024-25 cycle, breaking down the players who have made the cut, the changes from previous years, and what these contracts mean for the players and Indian cricket as a whole.
What are the BCCI Central Contracts?
The BCCI Central Contracts system is a way to remunerate and acknowledge the contributions of Indian cricketers to the national team. The contract is divided into several grades, with players being classified into Grade A+, Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C. These grades are based on a player’s performance, seniority, and impact on the team. Grade A+ players earn the highest remuneration, followed by Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C. The central contract ensures that players are compensated for their services to the Indian cricket team, whether in Test, One-Day International (ODI), or T20 formats.
Each year, the BCCI evaluates players based on their performance over the past 12 months, and those who have made significant contributions are rewarded with a place on the central contract list.
BCCI Central Contracts 2024–25: Player Categories & Salaries
The BCCI has structured the contracts into four grades, each with a corresponding annual retainer. The time period of the central contracts from OCT 1, 2024 to SEP 30, 2025.
- Grade A+: ₹7 crore
- Grade A: ₹5 crore
- Grade B: ₹3 crore
- Grade C: ₹1 crore
Players are assigned to these grades based on their participation in international matches and overall impact on the team. Additionally, players who meet specific criteria—such as playing a minimum number of Test matches, ODIs, or T20Is—are automatically included in Grade C on a pro-rata basis.
Full List of Players by Grade: BCCI Central Contracts
Grade A+ (₹7 Crore)
This top tier includes players who have consistently delivered exceptional performances across formats:
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Ravindra Jadeja
Grade A (₹5 Crore)
This category recognizes players who have been pivotal in India’s recent success:
- Mohammed Siraj
- KL Rahul
- Shubman Gill
- Hardik Pandya
- Mohammed Shami
- Rishabh Pant
Grade B (₹3 Crore)
Players in this grade have shown consistent performances and are integral to the team’s depth:
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Axar Patel
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shreyas Iyer
Grade C (₹1 Crore)
This grade includes emerging talents and players who have shown promise in limited opportunities:
- Rinku Singh
- Tilak Varma
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Shivam Dube
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Washington Sundar
- Mukesh Kumar
- Sanju Samson
- Arshdeep Singh
- Prasidh Krishna
- Rajat Patidar
- Dhruv Jurel
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Ishan Kishan
- Abhishek Sharma
- Akash Deep
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Harshit Rana
Notable Changes for 2024–25
- Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have been reinstated into the BCCI central contracts after being excluded in the previous season due to their absence from domestic cricket. Iyer has been placed in Grade B, while Kishan is in Grade C.
- Rishabh Pant has been promoted to Grade A following consistent performances, now sharing the tier with pacers Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj.
Final Words
The BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 is a significant part of the cricketing ecosystem in India. It highlights the value placed on performance, consistency, and contribution to the national team. As the official list of players is out, it’s clear that the 2024-25 cycle will bring exciting new dynamics to Indian cricket, with emerging players making their mark and senior players continuing to lead from the front.
