BCCI Removes A+ Category: Bumrah's ₹2 Crore Pay Gap

📌 Introduction

The recent overhaul of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) central contracts has stirred debate across the cricketing world. The removal of the prestigious A+ category has not only reshaped the contract hierarchy but also raised serious concerns about fair compensation—especially for players like Jasprit Bumrah.

With a potential ₹2 crore pay gap emerging, the BCCI is now reportedly reconsidering its pay structure to ensure that consistent performers are not financially disadvantaged.

🔍 What Changed in the BCCI Contract System?

Traditionally, the BCCI categorized players into four grades:

• Grade A+ – ₹7 crore

• Grade A – ₹5 crore

• Grade B – ₹3 crore

• Grade C – ₹1 crore

However, for the 2025–26 season, the A+ category has been removed, citing a lack of eligible players meeting the strict criteria.

⚠️ Why Was the A+ Category Removed?

The A+ grade was reserved for elite players who:

• Played all three formats (Test, ODI, T20I)

• Maintained top-10 ICC rankings in at least one format

• Were automatic selections in the playing XI

Previously, stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja fulfilled these criteria. However:

• Kohli and Rohit retired from two formats

• Jadeja stepped away from T20Is

This left only Bumrah eligible—leading the board to scrap the category entirely.

💰 Jasprit Bumrah’s ₹2 Crore Gap

Despite being one of India’s most consistent performers across formats, Jasprit Bumrah has been downgraded to Grade A.

👉 Impact:

• Previous Salary: ₹7 crore (Grade A+)

• Current Salary: ₹5 crore (Grade A)

• Loss: ₹2 crore

This move has triggered concerns about fairness and recognition for top-performing players.

🤔 Will BCCI Revise the Pay Structure?

According to internal discussions, the BCCI is actively exploring solutions:

• Revising the valuation of existing grades

• Introducing performance-based incentives

• Possibly redefining eligibility criteria

The goal is clear: ensure players like Bumrah are not penalized due to structural changes.

📊 Other Players Affected

The reshuffle has impacted several key players:

🔽 Demoted to Grade B:

• KL Rahul

• Mohammed Siraj

• Hardik Pandya

• Rishabh Pant

Despite strong performances, these players have seen a drop in earnings.

⚖️ Axar Patel’s Contract Controversy

One of the most debated omissions is Axar Patel, who has been placed in Grade C (₹1 crore).

Why This Is Controversial:

• Ranked No. 11 T20I all-rounder in 2025

• Key contributor in India’s white-ball success

• Meets at least 2 out of 4 criteria for higher grades

👉 Many experts believe he deserves at least a Grade B contract.

📋 Official Criteria Breakdown

Grade A (Any 2 Required):

• Plays in any two formats

• Automatic selection

• Top 15 ICC ranking

• 40+ Test matches

Grade B (Any 2 Required):

• Plays in any two formats

• Automatic selection

• Top 20 ICC ranking

• 60+ Test matches

This raises questions about whether the criteria were altered—or inconsistently applied.

🧠 Bigger Picture: Performance vs Policy

The situation highlights a broader issue:

Should rigid contract structures override consistent on-field performance?

The BCCI has historically protected players from financial loss due to injuries. However, this structural shift could set a new precedent if not addressed carefully.

🔮 What to Expect Next?

• Possible revision in contract values

• Greater transparency in player grading

• Potential reintroduction or replacement of A+ category

The board is under pressure to strike a balance between policy consistency and rewarding excellence.

❓ FAQs

Q1. Why did BCCI remove the A+ category?

Because very few players met the strict eligibility criteria after senior players retired from formats.

Q2. How much did Jasprit Bumrah lose?

Approximately ₹2 crore due to moving from Grade A+ to Grade A.

Q3. Could the A+ category return?

Possibly, or the BCCI may revise the pay structure instead.

Q4. Why is Axar Patel’s contract controversial?

He meets performance criteria for a higher grade but was placed in Grade C.

🏁 Conclusion

The removal of the A+ category has exposed gaps in the BCCI’s contract system. While the intention may have been to maintain standards, the outcome has raised fairness concerns—especially for players like Jasprit Bumrah.

As the board considers revisiting its pay structure, the coming weeks could be crucial in shaping the future of player compensation in Indian cricket.

🏷️ Tags:

BCCI, Jasprit Bumrah, Indian Cricket, Player Contracts, Cricket News, Axar Patel, Salary विवाद, BCCI 2026