BCCI has recently announced the new central contracts, and notable omissions include Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan. These players, preparing for the 2024 Indian Premier League after leaving Ranji, have been excluded from the central contracts. Meanwhile, Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah have been placed in the A+ grade category, earning them a salary of 7 crores each.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Promoted to Grade B
In terms of grade promotions, the board has elevated Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill to Grade A. However, Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel have been demoted from Grade A to Grade B. According to reports, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included in Grade B in the new contract. It is worth noting that BCCI’s central contract will be valid from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024.
Full List of BCCI Central Contracts
- Grade A+: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah
- Grade A: KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj
- Grade B: Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Grade C (Selected from players who have played a minimum of 3 Tests, 8 ODIs, or 10 T20Is): Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan
This year’s central contracts include 30 players, with four players in Grade A+, six in Grade A, five in Grade B, and 15 in Grade C. Notably, last year’s central contracts featured only 26 players.
3 Tests or 8 ODIs or 10 T20Is Criteria for Grade C
To qualify for Grade C, players must have participated in a minimum of 3 Tests, 8 ODIs, or 10 T20Is. As a result, recent Test debutants Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan might be included in the central contracts after their participation in the ongoing fifth Test against England in Dharamshala. BCCI mentions, “Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan have played 2 Test matches until now. If they participate in the Dharamshala Test, the 5th Test of the ongoing series against England, they will be included in Grade C.”
With these new central contracts, BCCI aims to recognize and reward players based on their performances, contributions, and potential in international cricket.