Major Overhaul in BCCI Central Contracts: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Face Pay Cut

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to introduce a significant revamp in its annual central contract system, linking player grades to current performance and active participation in the national team rather than legacy or past reputation. The move is expected to impact senior players, particularly Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who may see a reduction in their contract grades and salaries.

Streamlined Three-Grade System
Under the proposed system, the current four-grade structure (A+, A, B, C) will be replaced with three grades: A, B, and C. Currently, A+ grade players receive an annual retainer of ₹7 crore, but this top tier may be eliminated entirely. Officials have indicated that future grading will depend on the number of formats a player is actively representing and their role in India’s long-term plans.

Impact on Senior Players
One of the most striking aspects of the proposal is that senior stars like Kohli and Sharma, who are now primarily focused on the ODI format, could be moved to grade B. Players in grade B currently earn ₹3 crore annually. A senior BCCI official explained that the restructuring is designed to account for workload and current participation, ensuring that players representing India across all formats are rewarded appropriately.

Focus on Youth and Future Planning
The BCCI’s top council is expected to discuss the proposal in its upcoming meeting. The objective of the new system is to incentivize consistent performance across formats while providing opportunities for emerging young talents to earn higher grades purely on merit. The overhaul is being seen as a historic shift in Indian cricket, emphasizing fitness, current form, and long-term planning over past achievements.